Chemical Biology Group Leader

Sound is an innovator of bio-inspired chemistry and plant genetics. We
leverage natural plant diversity to grow crops more sustainably and create
differentiated, nutritious food. Sound is a Series C startup funded by
leading investors in food and agriculture such as S2G Ventures, Fall Line
Capital, Cultivian Sandbox Ventures, Cavallo Ventures and Syngenta Ventures.

We are hiring a Chemical Biology Group Leader to lead the execution and
expansion of our chemical biology discovery platform and molecular mode of
action efforts. We have a unique small molecule approach that improves the
sustainability of agriculture by reducing fertilizer use and making crops
more climate resilient. Our scientific focus is understanding how complex
plant and microbial systems communicate and coordinate physiology using
natural product chemistry.

We are seeking an experienced technical leader to build and manage a team
of molecular biology scientists, associates, and technicians. The Group
Leader will also manage external contractors and work across our Research
team and cross functionally with our Product, Business Development, and
Regulatory teams. We expect the Group Leader to grow the team to 7 FTE in
the near term, with additional expansion in the future.

The role will report to the Chief Technology Officer and will be based in
our laboratory in Emeryville, California.

Responsibilities

- Manage the strategy and execution of Sound's Chemical Biology
discovery platform
- Develop effective experimental approaches to answer key mode of action
questions, including molecule - receptor interactions, signal transduction
pathway elucidation, and microbial community dynamics
- Craft strategies for future chemistry pipeline development
- Collaborate with team leaders across Data Science, Synthetic Biology,
and Product teams
- Perform experimental design, execution, and data analysis as needed
- Ensure data quality and on time delivery of project workflow
- Plan and execute platform development activities to expand capacity
- Provide training and mentorship for Chemical Biology team scientists
and technicians

Skills & Experience

- PhD in chemistry or life sciences
- 7+ years experience in industry positions with progressive management
responsibility
- Expertise in chemical biology or medicinal chemistry, including
principles of high throughput screening, QSAR, molecular mechanism
studies
- Fluency in project management concepts and software
- Experience training and managing junior scientists and technicians
- Identify as a ‘player coach' rather than a top down manager
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Passionate about plant and soil science and the future of food and
agriculture

Our Offer

- Opportunity to work in an early-stage, disruptive startup with
a talented, experienced, and growing team of dedicated individuals
- Competitive compensation package
- Performance bonus structure
- Comprehensive health care plans that include Medical, Dental and
Vision coverage
- Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit)
- 401k Plan
- Generous vacation policy
- Regular team events and engagement activities (we actually like
hanging out with each other!)

Sound is based in Emeryville, CA with a number of employees working
remotely. We have a mission driven culture and a fast-paced, collaborative
work environment. We are looking for someone to join the team who will
bring a passion for sustainability along with a deep expertise in the
business of food and agriculture.
Equal Employment Opportunity

We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates
regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran
status, marital status, or any other protected status.