Director, Drug Discovery & Target ID (LNP-mRNA)

Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 191,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (Medical, Dental & Vis

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Stock options equity

Snacks and beverages

Wellness programs

$100 Anniversary cash awards

Company-sponsored events

Job summary

Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Director or Senior Director to lead Drug Discovery & Target Identification for our LNP-mRNA platform.

You will drive target prioritization, validate novel targets, and expand our discovery portfolio toward new indications with strategic cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a PhD with extensive experience in drug discovery, a track record as a Drug Hunter, and strong skills in AI, biostatistics, and translational biomarkers to

Qualifications

• PhD with 12–15+ years in pharma/biotech focused on target ID and preclinical discovery.
• Proven track record as a Drug Hunter leading discovery teams into clinical development.
• Experience applying AI to drug development and familiarity with next-generation tech.
• Proficient in biostatistics to drive HTS analysis and predictive modeling.
• Experience managing a Discovery portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Strong pharmacology knowledge and in vivo/in vitro modeling of candidates.
• Experience using translational biomarkers to guide program progress.
• Ability to translate strategy into action and clearly present complex biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team to identify novel target pathways and validate targets.
• Expand the discovery platform from rare diseases to broader indications.
• Integrate advanced technologies and AI to identify drug candidates.
• Define preclinical models and advance projects toward clinical development.
• Collaborate across development teams to progress LNP-mRNA-based candidates.
• Manage stakeholder relationships to align program plans and timelines.

Skills

AI applications

Biostatistics

Portfolio management

In vivo/in vitro pharmacology

Education

PhD in life sciences

Job description

Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Director or Senior Director to lead Drug Discovery & Target Identification for our LNP-mRNA platform.

You will drive target prioritization, validate novel targets, and expand our discovery portfolio toward new indications with strategic cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a PhD with extensive experience in drug discovery, a track record as a Drug Hunter, and strong skills in AI, biostatistics, and translational biomarkers to