Director, Scientific Projects

Arnatar Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnatar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech in California, seeks a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead oligonucleotide chemistry, delivery strategies, and cross-functional teams from discovery to IND-enabling stages. You will set scientific direction, oversee SAR studies, and ensure regulatory readiness, while mentoring scientists and aligning with executive priorities.

The role emphasizes building scalable synthesis, advancing antisense platforms, and driving collaboration with biology,

Qualifications

• PhD 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 and CMC strategy.
• Experience with extrahepatic delivery solutions.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Medicinal Chemistry efforts for oligonucleotides, including synthesis, purification and formulation.
• Drive SAR to improve potency, specificity, safety, and TI of platform.
• Develop scalable synthetic processes for modified oligos and conjugates.
• Lead tissue-selective delivery strategies beyond the liver.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary chemistry and delivery teams; interact with executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic decision-making

Cross-functional collaboration

Science communication

Education

PhD in Medicinal/Organic Chemistry or related field

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Conjugation techniques

Job description

About Arnatar Therapeutics

Please make sure you read the following details carefully before making any applications. 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.

Leadership & Strategy

• 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.