Senior Scientist, De Novo Peptide Design

Senior Scientist, De Novo Peptide Design

Location: Remote

Industry: RNA Therapeutics | CNS Drug Delivery | AI-Driven Drug Discovery

About the Role

We are seeking a highly innovative Senior Scientist, De Novo Peptide Design to lead the computational design of next-generation peptide ligands for targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS).

This is a unique opportunity to help build a novel CNS delivery platform from the ground up while working at the intersection of generative AI, protein engineering, structural biology, computational chemistry, and RNA therapeutics. The successful candidate will drive the design-build-test-learn cycle by creating de novo peptide sequences, advancing computational modeling strategies, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary scientific teams.

This role offers significant scientific ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to shape computational discovery capabilities within a rapidly growing biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of novel peptide ligands for CNS-targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge computational workflows incorporating generative AI, structural biology, molecular modeling, and simulation techniques.
• Design peptide sequences from first principles based on target biology and structure-function relationships.
• Perform molecular docking, structural analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate peptide-target interactions.
• Utilize AI-driven design platforms to generate, rank, and prioritize peptide candidates for experimental validation.
• Collaborate with peptide chemistry, neuroscience, biophysics, and delivery sciences teams to accelerate discovery efforts.
• Translate experimental findings into improved predictive models and next-generation design strategies.
• Partner with laboratory scientists to advance computational designs through validation and optimization.
• Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to cross-functional teams and Senior leadership.
• Support patent generation and intellectual property development around novel peptide designs and delivery technologies.
• Help establish and expand computational design capabilities within a fast-paced biotech setting.

Required Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Computational Biology, Computational Chemistry, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Protein Engineering, Peptide Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated success in de novo peptide design, including generating novel peptide sequences against defined biological targets.

• Deep understanding of peptide structure-function relationships and therapeutic design principles.

• Experience with AI-driven protein and peptide design tools such as:

• RFdiffusion

• RFpeptide

• ProteinMPNN

• AlphaFold-based workflows

• BoltzGen

• Related generative design platforms

• Strong expertise in molecular modeling and docking tools including:

• Rosetta

• HADDOCK

• Amber

• GROMACS

• Similar computational platforms

• Experience conducting molecular dynamics simulations and structural analyses.

• Strong background in protein engineering and structural biology.

• Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for workflow automation and data analysis.

Scientific Experience

• Experience supporting RNA therapeutic, oligonucleotide, or nucleic acid-based drug discovery programs.
• Knowledge of blood-brain barrier biology and CNS delivery strategies.
• Track record of integrating computational design with experimental validation workflows.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, patents, or intellectual property development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or drug discovery environments.
• Experience developing peptide-based delivery platforms.
• Familiarity with CNS-targeted therapeutic technologies.
• Previous involvement in early-stage company growth or platform development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building new scientific capabilities.

What You"ll Bring

• Scientific creativity and innovation in peptide and protein design.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Passion for applying AI and computational biology to transform therapeutic delivery.

Why Join the team?

• Shape the future of RNA medicine and CNS drug delivery.
• Work at the forefront of generative AI-driven drug discovery.
• Collaborate with experts across neuroscience, peptide chemistry, biophysics, and therapeutic delivery.
• Enjoy substantial scientific ownership and influence on platform strategy.
• Flexible remote/hybrid work environment.
• Opportunity for rapid professional growth within a mission-driven biotech company developing transformative therapies for neurological diseases.

If you"re excited about leveraging computational science, AI, and peptide engineering to solve one of the biggest challenges in drug delivery, we"d love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Remote, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Competitive compensation and equity package Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) retirement savings program Flexible PTO and paid holidays Flexible remote/hybrid work options Professional development opportunities Collaborative, mission-driven culture Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on next-generation therapies for brain diseases

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.