Scientist I, Discovery Chemistry
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
August 25, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
The Position: Scientist I (Discovery Chemistry) — onsite 5 days/week in San Diego.
Responsibilities:
- Design, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) workflows using automated and manual techniques.
- Purify and characterize peptides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods (HPLC, LC-MS).
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and propose next steps for discovery programs.
- Contribute to the design and optimization of novel peptide constructs for RNAi therapeutic development.
- Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
- Present scientific findings and participate in project team discussions.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and follow laboratory safety procedures and company policies.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific literature in peptide chemistry and drug discovery.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
- 8+ years relevant industry laboratory experience or demonstrated scientific leadership in peptide chemistry.
- Strong background in organic and analytical chemistry.
- Hands-on SPPS experience.
- Experience operating automated peptide synthesizers.
- Proficiency with HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS.
- Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
Preferred:
- Experience from hit identification through lead optimization.
- High-throughput peptide synthesis/screening experience.
- Biophysical assay familiarity.
- Experience in oligonucleotide/peptide/RNA therapeutic discovery.
- Ability to work independently in cross-functional teams.
California pay range: $105,000–$115,000 USD.
Application instructions: Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where the role is located.
Responsibilities:
- Design, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) workflows using automated and manual techniques.
- Purify and characterize peptides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods (HPLC, LC-MS).
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and propose next steps for discovery programs.
- Contribute to the design and optimization of novel peptide constructs for RNAi therapeutic development.
- Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
- Present scientific findings and participate in project team discussions.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and follow laboratory safety procedures and company policies.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific literature in peptide chemistry and drug discovery.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
- 8+ years relevant industry laboratory experience or demonstrated scientific leadership in peptide chemistry.
- Strong background in organic and analytical chemistry.
- Hands-on SPPS experience.
- Experience operating automated peptide synthesizers.
- Proficiency with HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS.
- Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
Preferred:
- Experience from hit identification through lead optimization.
- High-throughput peptide synthesis/screening experience.
- Biophysical assay familiarity.
- Experience in oligonucleotide/peptide/RNA therapeutic discovery.
- Ability to work independently in cross-functional teams.
California pay range: $105,000–$115,000 USD.
Application instructions: Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where the role is located.