Job Description

Principal Scientist – Target Validation and Translational Oncology

Help invent the future of lipid metabolism-based therapies for cancer and beyond

Lime Therapeutics is a venture-backed biotech startup pioneering therapies that target lipid-metabolic pathways in cancer, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Our proprietary LipidSense™ platform enables the discovery of first-in-class targets, including our lead programs addressing tumor-selective lipid dysregulation. We are advancing novel small molecules toward IND-enabling studies, with a clear path to Series A financing and clinical development.

We are hiring a Principal Scientist to take ownership of validating oncology targets and translating discoveries into therapeutic programs. This is not a narrow execution role: you will devise experimental strategies, lead critical studies, manage team members, and work closely with the founding team to shape Lime’s scientific direction. This is ideal for a scientist with prior leadership experience who thrives on designing and driving programs end-to-end, from scientific rationale to execution, and is ready to make an immediate impact by leading a biology team toward decisive, milestone-driven progress.

What You’ll Do

● Own the biology function for one or more programs, actively managing experimental timelines, quality control, and data delivery in line with company milestones.

● Translate biological insights into strategic milestones, including go/no-go calls, biomarker hypotheses, and discovery campaign readiness.

● Design, coordinate, and troubleshoot experiments across in vitro and in vivo systems to generate decision-driving data for target validation and therapeutic development.

● Select, manage, and execute in vivo efficacy studies using mouse models, ensuring translational relevance and reproducibility.

● Lead internal and external communication of results to the executive team, investors, scientific advisors, and consultants, with a focus on strategic clarity and next-step decisions.

● Mentor and supervise junior scientists and research associates, holding accountability for their performance, technical execution, and development.

● Function with urgency: Operate in a high-intensity startup culture where work may extend beyond standard hours to evenings and weekends, and responsive communication is essential.

What We’re Looking For

● PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology, or related field, with at least 4-6+ years postdoctoral or industry experience in translational oncology or drug discovery

● Track record of independent leadership in designing and delivering experimental programs

● Demonstrated ability to operate independently with minimal oversight, applying scientific judgement to evolving contexts

● Experience supervising and managing scientific staff, with high standards and timeline execution

● Strong stakeholder-facing communication skills, including written reports, slide presentations, and strategic framing for broad audiences

● Demonstrated success in driving go/no-go decisions and linking experimental outcomes to program strategy

● High-agency mindset, adaptable to evolving priorities and high-accountability environments

Required Leadership and Technical Skills

● Experience with in vivo tumor models, including subcutaneous injection, tail vein injection, luciferase imaging, caliper measurements, and mouse handling/dissections

● Molecular biology proficiency, including cloning, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and other techniques

● Efficient experimental design and assay execution, with ability to troubleshoot rapidly

● Clear and confident scientific communication with accurate record keeping

● Ability to perform data analysis, and present reports to internal and external parties

● Experience managing relationships with stakeholders including consultants, advisors, and CROs

Why Join Lime?

● Real Impact: Your work will shape first-in-class therapeutics for patients with high unmet need

● Founder Access: Work directly with company leadership and world-class advisors

● Equity Upside: Generous stock options with meaningful value at key inflection points

● Growth Path: Build and lead scientific teams as Lime expands

● Mission-Driven Culture: High-ownership, strategic focus, and fast execution

Salary, Benefits, and Additional Information

The salary range for this fully in-person full-time position is $120,000-$150,000 commensurate with skills and experience. You will be offered stock options with significant potential upside. Lime is committed to the well-being of our team members and offers a comprehensive benefits package. Lime is headquartered at the Ford Center Incubator, a vibrant home for early-stage life science companies, located at The Rockefeller University campus in New York City’s Upper East Side.

Start Date: Immediate. We are actively interviewing and looking to fill this role as soon as possible.

To apply, please submit your application here: https://jobs.polymer.co/lime-therapeutics/35789

At Lime Therapeutics equality, diversity, and inclusion are important to us. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, belief, or marital or civil partnership status.