Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Key Responsibilities

• Technology & Medicinal Chemistry
  • Oligonucleotide (DNA/RNA) synthesis, purification, analysis and formulation as needed.
  • Lead optimization of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) chemistry, including backbone, sugar, and conjugation strategies.
  • Drive structure–activity relationship (SAR) efforts to improve potency, specificity, safety, and therapeutic index of the platform technology.
  • Establish scalable synthetic processes for modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Extrahepatic Delivery
  • Develop and implement strategies for tissue-selective delivery beyond the liver (e.g., kidney, CNS, muscle, lung, etc.).
  • Evaluate and integrate novel targeting platforms and conjugation technologies.
  • Align chemistry and delivery approaches with in vivo pharmacology and translational goals.
• Led Leadership & Strategy
  • Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams in chemistry and delivery.
  • Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team.
  • Support regulatory interactions, partnerships, and scientific communication with investors and advisory boards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 15+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics with progressive leadership roles.
• Proven track record advancing antisense or related RNA therapeutic candidates toward clinical development.
• Deep expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry, conjugation/delivery approaches, analytical characterization, and CMC strategy.
• Experience with extrahepatic delivery solutions.
• Strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills.