[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All Alphabet jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/) · [Search jobs](/search/) Alphabet · South San Francisco, CA # Scientist, Peptide Chemistry South San Francisco, CA $135,000 - $145,000 Research & Science Listed on Alphabet’s official careers site. Posted May 15, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Alphabet’s careers site →](https://www.calicolabs.com/careers/?gh_jid=8552242002) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Alphabet](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/) / Scientist, Peptide Chemistry ## Job description ### Who We Are Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs. ### Position Description We are seeking a scientist to join our Peptide Chemistry team. In this role, you will drive peptide drug discovery projects that sit at the nexus of empirical medicinal chemistry and Calico’s proprietary Machine Learning (ML) peptide design platform. You will collaborate cross-functionally with ML scientists, medicinal chemists, automation specialists, and biologists to explore structure-activity relationships (SAR). By leveraging a rapid design-make-test cycle, you will accelerate the optimization of therapeutic peptides and contribute to the evolution of a world-class synthetic engine. ### Key Responsibilities - Drive Discovery: Lead peptide drug discovery campaigns from initial hit identification through to IND-enabling studies Innovate Synthetic Workflows: Onboard and optimize novel chemistries for high-throughput, automated peptide synthesis; troubleshoot complex synthetic challenges to generate high-quality leads, and curate a custom library of building blocks Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with biology, software, automation, assay, and pharmacology teams to ensure seamless execution of ML platform objectives and drug discovery milestones Mentorship and Management: Actively mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative innovation - Manage external collaborations and CROs efficiently, including teams of chemists, DMPK scientists and formulation experts Position Requirements: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, or a related discipline with 0-2 years of industry experience in drug discovery Experience in peptide hit discovery, SAR campaigns, ADMET optimization, and peptide formulation - Proven experience building and interpreting complex assay cascades, including biophysical characterization, functional protein/cell-based assays, and ADMET screening High proficiency in automated synthesis, purification (HPLC, Flash, SPE), and characterization (LCMS, NMR, CD, etc.) - Demonstrated ability to implement diverse chemistries, including backbone-modifications, macrocyclization, stapling, and bioconjugation via solid- or solution-phase strategies - Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse functional groups - Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week Nice to Have: Experience with organic synthesis, including transition metal catalysis and synthesis of non-canonical amino acids, is highly desired Experience with automation, software, and data-science integration into chemistry workflows - Ability to utilize AI-tools to improve efficiency of research and build programs for data analysis or synthesis Knowledgeable on the key principles of ML-design for peptide therapeutics Prior experience with peptide-specific computational tools for hit discovery, SAR prioritization, molecular modeling, and physicochemical characterization The estimated base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $145,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: May 15, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Oct 13, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 23, 2026 - Listed for: 161 days - Location: South San Francisco, CA - Pay: $135,000 - $145,000[Apply on Alphabet’s careers site →](https://www.calicolabs.com/careers/?gh_jid=8552242002) ## More jobs at Alphabet ### [Postdoctoral Fellow, Nile Lab - Ubiquitin/UBL Chemical Biology](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/jobs/a695ce664774208c460a/) South San Francisco, CA ### [Principal Scientist, DMPK](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/jobs/cb2b544f0e41ab2e8978/) South San Francisco, CA ### [Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/jobs/993d2871ef17166535e4/) South San Francisco, CA ### [Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/jobs/b825da67c30a8db86fee/) South San Francisco, CA ### [Senior/Principal Associate Scientist, Mammalian Physiology](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/alphabet/jobs/a1fb0a96aada7a95b039/) South San Francisco, CA ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Oligo Discovery Process Chemistry Principal Scientist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/gsk/jobs/0fe209490f5fe151a4a7/) GSK · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America ### [Medical Technologist/Scientist I - Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/thermo-fisher-scientific/jobs/75fcc6e39fb2844f526c/) Thermo Fisher Scientific · Highland Heights, Kentucky, United States of America ### [Scientist: Synthetic Molecule Analytical Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/thermo-fisher-scientific/jobs/6c58859e0e7f8da25256/) Thermo Fisher Scientific · South San Francisco, California, United States of America ### [Scientific Director — Incretin & Peptide Process Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/eli-lilly/jobs/33027894bc000bbec202/) Eli Lilly · Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America ### [Executive Director - Head of Peptide Macrocycles Medicinal Chemistry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/eli-lilly/jobs/3dca0e1c9b334fa073b0/) Eli Lilly · Pasadena, California, United States of America OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. Dates come from the employer where stated; “first seen” and “last checked” are our own observations. OpenNash Jobs · Official listings with dates and links to the employer. [Weekly hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [Methodology](/methodology/)