Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry

Job Title: Senior Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry

Department: Chemistry

Reporting to: Principal Scientist, Chemistry

Location: We are only considering candidates who can work onsite in San Diego, CA.

About Sirius

Sirius is a clinical stage biotech company developing innovative siRNA therapies for global markets. We are dedicated to discovering and developing new treatment options for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and translating siRNA technology into transformative medicine for the treatment of chronic diseases. Our most advanced products are SRSD107 for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders, SRSD216 for the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia, and SRSD101 for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Founded in 2021 by a world-class leadership team and investors, Sirius is dual headquartered in San Diego, where discovery center is located, and Shanghai, where translational medicine and clinical operation center is based. Sirius has raised nearly US$150 million funding to date from top global VC funds such as OrbiMed and Creacion Ventures.

Summary of Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Bioconjugation Scientist to join our multidisciplinary R&D team. The successful candidate will design, execute, and optimize bioconjugation strategies involving proteins, antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides and small molecules. This role requires strong expertise in organic chemistry, oligonucleotide chemistry, protein chemistry, analytical characterization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Design and develop site-specific and non-specific conjugation strategies using chemical and enzymatic approaches for oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, and other biomolecules
• Design and optimize linker chemistries to enhance product stability, conjugation efficiency, and overall therapeutic performance.
• Perform and optimize bioconjugation reactions to enhance conjugation efficiency.
• Troubleshoot synthetic and analytical challenges related to conjugation workflows.
• Purify and characterize conjugates using techniques such as RP-HPLC, IEX, LC-MS, SEC, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, DLS, and CE.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, and pharmacology teams to advance projects.
• Contribute to technology development, intellectual property generation, and scientific publications as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and company quality standards.

Qualification

Required

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 2 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. degree with 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience in bioconjugation, peptide modification, or linker chemistry, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Strong understanding of peptide chemistry and biomolecular analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with modern chemical and enzymatic conjugation methodologies.
• Experience with purification and characterization techniques, including HPLC/FPLC, LC-MS, SEC, and electrophoretic methods.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and interpret complex results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in solid-phase peptide synthesis and/or oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience working in a biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry environment.

Desired Skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and attention to detail.