Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research

Role Summary

The Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research is a highly motivated and accomplished chemist/biochemist with a proven track record of delivering multiple oligonucleotide-based candidate molecules to the clinical development candidate stage. The ideal candidate will be a leader in the field of siRNA chemistry and design, and a people leader with a passion for mentoring and empowering their team. The candidate will lead projects in a fast-paced environment and play a key role in providing strategic direction for next-generation oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for our three therapeutic areas of interest: neurology, neuroendocrinology, and neuroimmunology.

Responsibilities

• Set scientific direction for siRNA platform chemistry and direct internal and external chemists tasked with designing, synthesizing and characterizing novel oligonucleotides, associated libraries, and oligonucleotide-based bioconjugates for eventual development candidate nomination
• Provide strategic direction, oversight and input for multiple siRNA-based projects including the chemistry strategy, bioconjugation strategy where applicable, and overall goals and timelines
• Help set scientific direction for use of siRNA, ASO, and associated oligonucleotide-based modalities
• Participate in and/or lead multiple discovery projects and project teams
• Drive the development and incorporation of novel technologies, methods and oligonucleotide modifications for optimal stability, potency and selectivity
• Collaborate seamlessly with the adjacent Bioconjugation team as well as the Peptide, Antibody and Small Molecule teams to achieve maximal synergy between the teams and platforms
• Collaborate closely with the broader research team by communicating results, sharing insights, making plans, and setting goals in an open and collaborative way to enable project success
• Anticipates potential issues and provides contingencies and resolutions to continuously improve that process
• Monitors and evaluates completion of work and projects of their direct reports to ensure a high-functioning team, and takes necessary action as needed
• Aid in the evaluation of external partnering opportunities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD (preferred) in chemistry or related field and 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and prior managerial / functional management experience
• MS/MA degree and 13+ years of similar experience as noted above, OR
• BS/BA degree and 15+ years of similar experience
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in oligonucleotide/siRNA chemistry or related research, as evidenced by significant patents and/or publications in the field
• Excellent leadership skills and ability, typically leads multi-level teams and/or indirect teams
• Demonstrated delivery of multiple clinical candidate siRNA-based molecules
• Expert understanding of the drug discovery process
• Thorough understanding of developability and associated assays
• Experience and knowledge in protein bioconjugation and/or targeted delivery technologies is strongly preferred
• Overall strong work ethic and willingness to engage in projects across therapeutic areas
• Recognized as an internal thought leader with extensive technical and business expertise within a strategic organization
• Applies in-depth knowledge of own function, business / commercial / scientific expertise to solve critical issues successfully and innovatively
• Evaluates key business / scientific challenges and completes complex, ambiguous initiatives having cross-functional impact
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments
• Ability to effectively interact with multiple functions across the organization, and effectively communicate results and strategies to staff and company executives
• Strong attention to detail; excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent problem solving and analytical thinking skills

Education

• PhD preferred in chemistry or related field; or MS/MA with 13+ years of experience; or BS/BA with 15+ years of experience