Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Arnatar Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 375,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnatar Therapeutics is seeking a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead the department, guide oligonucleotide synthesis, and drive delivery strategies across Discovery to early clinical development. You will work closely with Biology, Pharmacology, and DMPK to ensure scientific excellence and regulatory readiness.

The role reports to the CEO and includes direct line management of Scientists and Research Associates, with a focus on building scalable processes and leading a high-performing team

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics with progressive leadership roles.
• Proven track record advancing antisense or related RNA therapeutic candidates toward clinical development.
• Deep expertise in modified oligonucleotide synthesis, chemistry, conjugation/delivery, analytical characterization, and CMC strategy.
• Experience with extrahepatic delivery solutions.
• Proven experience building, developing, and leading scientific teams with strong communications skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative environment with emphasis on quality and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analysis and formulation as needed.
• Lead optimization of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) chemistry, including backbone, sugar, and conjugation strategies.
• Drive SAR efforts to improve potency, specificity, safety, and therapeutic index of the platform technology.
• Establish scalable synthetic processes for modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Develop and implemen strategies for tissue-selective delivery beyond the liver (kidney, CNS, muscle, lung).
• Evaluate and integrate novel targeting platforms and conjugation technologies.
• Align chemistry and delivery approaches with in vivo pharmacology and translational goals.
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams in chemistry and delivery; support regulatory interactions.
• Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Support regulatory interactions, partnerships, and scientific communication with investors and advisory boards.

Skills

Leadership

Oligonucleotide synthesis

SAR analysis

Regulatory readiness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry/Organic Chemistry or related field

Job description

Arnatar Therapeutics is a clinical stage, mission-driven biotechnology company advancing transformative RNA medicines using best-in-class antisense technology. We combine deep scientific expertise in RNA biology, medicinal chemistry, and translational development to deliver therapies for diseases with high unmet medical need. Our culture prioritizes innovation, scientific rigor, and collaborative problem-solving to accelerate the translation of novel RNA modalities into the clinic.

Position Summary

This position will serve as a leader of the Medicinal Chemistry department, including but not limited to oligonucleotides synthesis, extrahepatic delivery innovation, nucleic acid modification, and , working closely with subject matter experts across different line functions, including Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, supporting programs from Discovery to IND-enabling and early clinical development, ensuring scientific excellence, manufacturability, and regulatory readiness.

The Director, Medicinal Chemistry, will report to the Chief Executive Officer. The Director will have direct line managerial responsibility for other Scientists and Research Associates.

Role and responsibilities:

Technology & Medicinal Chemistry

• Oligonucleotide (DNA/RNA) synthesis, purification, analysis and formulation as needed
• Lead optimization of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) chemistry, including backbone, sugar, and conjugation strategies.
• Drive structure-activity relationship (SAR) efforts to improve potency, specificity, safety, and therapeutic index of the platform technology.
• Establish scalable synthetic processes for modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.

Extrahepatic Delivery

• Develop and implement strategies for tissue-selective delivery beyond the liver (e.g., kidney, CNS, muscle, lung ).
• Evaluate and integrate novel targeting platforms and conjugation technologies.
• Align chemistry and delivery approaches with in vivo pharmacology and translational goals.
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams in chemistry and delivery with a passion for developing transformative RNA medicines in a collaborative team environment.
• Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Support regulatory interactions, partnerships, and scientific communication with investors and advisory boards.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics with progressive leadership roles.
• Proven track record advancing antisense or related RNA therapeutic candidates toward clinical development.
• Deep expertise and strong hands-on experience in modified oligonucleotide synthesis, chemistry, conjugation/delivery approaches, analytical characterization, and CMC strategy.
• Experience with extrahepatic delivery solutions.
• Proven experience with building, developing, and leading scientific teams with excellent communications skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative environment with an emphasis on quality and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with a fast-paced, startup organization is highly desirable.