Associate Director/Director/Senior Director/Executive Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Position Summary:

As an exciting start-up, we offer amazing opportunity to develop the next generation RNA therapeutics. We are seeking a well-organized and self-motivated chemist to join our company site in Woburn, MA. The successful candidate will be a key member of the drug discovery group and will lead efforts to advance siRNA/ASO therapeutics to treat intractable diseases. Strong knowledge of oligonucleotide drug design and experience in organic chemistry of oligonucleotide precursors, respective delivery vehicles and methods is a must. Experience in oligonucleotide post-conjugation methods is a strong plus. Experience of work with oligo synthesizers is a plus but not required. Proven track record of leadership of successful projects in oligonucleotide drug discovery and strong publication record of scientific papers and patents.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Chemistry platform design and refining, covering delivery ligand, linker and chemical modification.
• Oversee team performance.
• Manage FFS/FTE projects with CROs.
• Chemistry informatics (Literature and patent search).
• Drafting patent applications.
• Refine company standards of data collection, presentation, and QC.
• May need to establish new specialized chemistry units, screen/recruit candidate chemists.
• CMC collaboration and planning.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in oligonucleotide drug discovery, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Comprehensive experience in delivery ligand and linker development
• Deep understanding of oligonucleotide and precursor synthesis, modification, purification, and conjugation mechanisms.
• Familiarity with analytical methods and quality standards in oligonucleotide drug development.
• Strong project management skills and cross-functional communication abilities; International collaboration experience is preferred.