Position Summary: 

Orbital is seeking a scientific leader with extended expertise in nucleic acid drug discovery and familiarity with the design of functional lipid excipients to enhance nucleic acid delivery in lipid nanoparticles. In this role, the individual will lead a team responsible for hit discovery, lead optimization and candidate selection of novel lipid compounds to enhance delivery of nucleic acids to several tissues via different routes of administration. In parallel, the candidate will lead in extensive efforts to develop virus like particles delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for delivery at Orbital.
• Lead design and synthesis of novel chemical libraries to enhance delivery of nucleic acids in lipid nanoparticles.
• Engage with CDMOs to successfully scale lead compounds.
• Develop with expert scientists virus like particles (VLP) delivery technology.
• Optimize delivery of nucleic acids using either LNP or VLP delivery technologies.
• Work closely with IP to assess patentability, develop patent strategy and lead preparation of patent applications & documents.
• Communicate scientifically rigorous findings and delivery strategy via verbal and written communications, including internal presentations to key stakeholders (e.g. Executive leadership team, Board of Directors) and external presentations.
• Lead, teach and mentor junior staff to promote a culture of growth and learning.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related scientific discipline.
• A proven scientific leader with 10 years of industry experience.
• Familiarity with delivery of nucleic acids is required.
• Experience in moving technology from preclinical to clinical stages.
• Outstanding teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Team leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of personnel development.
• Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work brought on by growth/change and helps others manage through change.