Job description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our Discovery Chemistry group as a Chemist to advance cutting-edge RNA drug discovery programs. This individual will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing multi-step synthesis including purification and compound characterization, active collaboration with colleagues across disciplines, participation in project team meetings, and contribution toward creative problem solving and SAR development.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Under general supervision, independently conduct multi-step synthesis and optimization through effective reaction planning, troubleshooting, and systematic analysis and prepare reports.
• Generate and execute new research ideas based on the findings. Make go and no-go decisions, prioritize and re-prioritize research efforts based on the data.
• Purification and characterize compounds using a variety of techniques.
• Prepare compounds on different scales to accommodate program needs ranging from 50mg to 50g.
• Landscape analysis of competitor compounds and platform, to create novel scaffold and distinct chemical construct. 
• Presentation of results in both written and oral format and delivery of progress reports within a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and presentations for internal project teams, leadership team, and external audience.
• Write protocols and create SOP for all the new discovery research efforts.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with critical collaborative partners throughout the company.
• Maintain corporate standards for lab safety and hazardous material management; execute daily chemistry operations with an approach designed to minimize risks and hazard waste streams.
• Manage and maintain equipment, reagents and dedicated laboratory environment needed to carry out assignments.
• Maintain updated and well-organized lab notebooks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, or related scientific discipline; 0-2 years of post-doctoral or 0-5 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry. 
• Familiar with modern chromatographic techniques, automated flash chromatography and modern analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC, LCMS etc).
• Experience in independently designing synthetic routes and conducting multi-step syntheses.’
• Broad knowledge of scientific experience with track record of scientific achievement demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
• Superior laboratory skills and awareness of laboratory safety. 
• Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office, ChemDraw and SD files.

Required Key Attributes:

• Must be able to work independently with supervision as needed.
• Understanding of project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.
• Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges with confidence and professionalism.
• Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills with the ability to take a hands-on approach to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards exploring new approaches.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective presentation skills of complex scientific data to cross-functional and senior management teams are essential for this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years' experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry a plus.
• Proven track-record of impacting drug discovery programs through driving projects to key decision points.
• In-depth knowledge of modern organic synthetic methods, purification, and analytical techniques as well as medicinal chemistry.
• Previous experience with RNA/oligonucleotide therapeutics is preferred but not essential.
• Experience mentoring and managing teams.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, occasional overtime.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.
• Equity-based compensation
• Performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Gym Membership
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

• United States (Required)
• Background Check

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the “Company” or “ADARx”) located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to turning cutting-edge science into life-saving therapeutics. ADARx has developed proprietary RNA targeting platforms and technology for silencing or editing target mRNA. ADARx has a growing pipeline of RNA targeting therapeutics for treating diseases across a range of therapeutic areas including genetic, cardiometabolic, complement-mediated diseases and central nervous system.

ADARx currently has multiple active programs in development with the lead candidate in the clinic. We are well-financed by a syndicate of renowned VC firms.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclosure Statement:

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
• Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
• The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.