Senior Scientist I, Discovery Chemistry (Synthetic Chemistry)

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARWR) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. The company focuses on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, leveraging RNAi technologies to address conditions across virtually any therapeutic area, including targets not addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead leads the field in bringing RNAi-based therapies outside of the liver, with a clinical pipeline targeting liver and lung diseases and a robust preclinical pipeline.

Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Arrowhead has research and development teams in Madison, WI, and San Diego, CA, along with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. The company values nimble, science-driven innovators collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.

About the role

Arrowhead is seeking a hands-on synthetic chemist to support the discovery and development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The successful candidate will primarily synthesize, purify, and characterize novel molecular structures for extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery, collaborating closely with teams across chemistry, DMPK, biology, analytical sciences, and formulation to advance multidisciplinary discovery programs. This laboratory-focused position is ideal for a scientist who enjoys solving challenging synthetic problems, developing reliable methods, and delivering high-quality compounds for biological evaluation.

This position is posted at the Senior Scientist I level and may also be considered at the Scientist III level, depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel compounds and focused analog series.
• Develop and troubleshoot multistep synthetic routes, purification methods, and characterization workflows.
• Coordinate internal and external production of compounds to support project timelines.
• Work with analytical and oligonucleotide chemistry teams to review compound identity, purity, concentration, and suitability for biological testing.
• Coordinate compound availability and timing with DMPK and in vivo pharmacology teams.
• Integrate chemical, analytical, formulation, and pharmacokinetic data to guide subsequent compound designs and recommend appropriate supporting studies.
• Monitor the scientific literature and use emerging findings to propose novel, creative, and testable chemical approaches.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of pharmaceutical industry or relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Strong record of hands-on synthetic chemistry and experimental problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to independently define synthetic strategy, solve complex chemistry problems, and guide compound-design decisions.
• Ability to interpret cross-functional data and use the results to propose new compounds and supporting experiments.
• Experience leading chemistry activities, mentoring colleagues, or coordinating work across internal and external teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, or other nucleic acid modalities.
• Experience designing and synthesizing multifunctional molecules, focused libraries, or compounds requiring orthogonal functional-group strategies.
• Experience working on plasma PK (pharmacokinetic) extension.
• Experience working with highly polar, charged, amphiphilic, or otherwise challenging compounds.
• Familiarity with one or more adjacent areas, including DMPK or pharmacokinetics, formulation or pharmaceutics, drug delivery, supramolecular or colloidal chemistry, lipid or nanoparticle systems, bioconjugation, or bioanalytical chemistry.
• Experience working with external chemistry vendors, contract research organizations (CROs), suppliers, or contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).
• Experience supporting intellectual property, technical transfer, or progression of discovery compounds.

Scientist III Alternative

This position may also be considered at the Scientist III level. At that level, the emphasis is on a strong record of hands-on synthetic chemistry and experimental problem-solving, with the ability to independently execute and optimize synthetic routes given guidance on broader project objectives.

Pay

Wisconsin pay range: $120,000 USD - $135,000 USD.

Benefits

Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package. Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.