Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research

Role Summary

The Scientific Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Research leads projects in siRNA chemistry and design, directing internal and external chemists to advance oligonucleotide-based candidates toward clinical development. This role provides strategic direction for next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics across neurology, neuroendocrinology, and neuroimmunology, while mentoring and empowering a research team.

Responsibilities

• Set scientific direction for siRNA platform chemistry and manage teams designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligonucleotides and bioconjugates for development candidate nomination
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for multiple siRNA projects, including chemistry and bioconjugation strategies, goals, and timelines
• Help set scientific direction for siRNA, ASO, and related modalities
• Lead or participate in discovery projects and project teams
• Drive development and incorporation of novel technologies and oligonucleotide modifications for stability, potency, and selectivity
• Collaborate with Bioconjugation, Peptide, Antibody, and Small Molecule teams to maximize cross-team synergy
• Communicate results and plans openly with the broader research team to enable project success
• Anticipate issues and provide contingencies and resolutions to improve processes
• Monitor progress of direct reports to maintain a high-functioning team and take necessary actions
• Aid in evaluating external partnering opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or related field (preferred) with 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry and prior managerial/funtional management experience
• MS/MA with 13+ years of relevant experience, or
• BS/BA with 15+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated excellence in oligonucleotide/siRNA chemistry with notable patents/publications
• Strong leadership skills with experience leading multi-level or indirect teams
• Proven delivery of multiple clinical candidate siRNA-based molecules
• Solid understanding of the drug discovery process and developability assays
• Experience in protein bioconjugation and/or targeted delivery technologies preferred
• Strong work ethic and ability to engage across therapeutic areas
• Internal thought leadership with broad technical and business expertise
• Ability to apply deep function knowledge to solve complex issues and drive cross-functional impact
• Strategic thinking with ability to communicate results and strategies to staff and executives
• Attention to detail and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills

Skills

• Oligonucleotide and siRNA chemistry
• Project leadership and cross-functional collaboration
• Bioconjugation and targeted delivery concepts
• Strategic planning and scientific direction
• Effective communication of complex results

Education

• PhD in chemistry or related field (preferred); alternative with extensive industry experience as noted above

Additional Requirements

• No specific travel or physical demands specified as essential in the provided content