Director, Medicinal Chemistry, Oligonucleotide Synthesis

Proven Recruiting; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Proven Recruiting in San Diego, CA, is seeking a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead antisense oligonucleotide discovery from the clinic into early development. This executive role offers strategic influence on pipeline direction, platform innovation, and organizational growth in a cutting-edge biotech environment.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a related field, bring 10+ years of oligonucleotide therapeutics experience, and have a proven track record advancing antisense candidates

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics with leadership progression.
• Proven success advancing antisense or RNA therapeutic candidates into clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts including oligonucleotide synthesis, SAR, and platform optimization.
• Drive innovation in antisense chemistry and extrahepatic delivery strategies.
• Establish scalable synthetic processes and ensure regulatory readiness across programs.
• Partner with Biology, Pharmacology, and DMPK teams to advance programs through IND and early clinical stages.
• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team while contributing to overall company strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Delivery/conjugation strategies

CMC

Job description

Director, Medicinal Chemistry - San Diego, CA, $150,000–$200,000 per year

Are you ready to lead cutting-edge oligonucleotide discovery to the clinic? Our client, an innovative clinical-stage biotech company, is building transformative antisense medicines and seeking a strategic leader to drive their Medicinal Chemistry function. This is a high-impact, executive-level opportunity with strong influence on pipeline direction, platform innovation, and organizational growth.

Who you are

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field
• 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics with leadership progression
• Proven success advancing antisense or RNA therapeutic candidates into clinical development
• Deep expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry, delivery/conjugation strategies, and CMC
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills

What you’ll do

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts including oligonucleotide synthesis, SAR, and platform optimization
• Drive innovation in antisense chemistry and extrahepatic delivery strategies
• Establish scalable synthetic processes and ensure regulatory readiness across programs
• Partner with Biology, Pharmacology, and DMPK teams to advance programs through IND and early clinical stages
• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team while contributing to overall company strategy

What does this position pay?

Compensation is determined by several factors which may include skillset, experience level, and education. The expected range for this role is $150,000–$200,000 per year. Please note this range is an estimate and actual pay may vary based on qualifications and experience.

We actively support and promote people of various backgrounds, from race, religion, gender to geographical area, university, lifestyle, and personality type. Proven Recruiting is minority-owned, majority women, and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the broader community.