Field Scientific Director

Arnatar Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnatar Therapeutics seeks a Director, Medicinal Chemistry to lead the Chemistry and delivery strategy for transformative RNA medicines. You will oversee oligonucleotide synthesis, SAR optimization, and scalable processes, while coordinating with Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, and early development teams.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 10+ years in oligonucleotide therapeutics, proven leadership, and a track record in antisense/RNA candidates toward clinical development, with strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in medicinal 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 approaches, analytical characterization, and CMC strategy.
• Experience with extrahepatic delivery solutions.
• Proven experience building, developing, and leading scientific teams with excellent communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead optimization of antisense oligonucleotide chemistry and related SAR efforts.
• Drive development of scalable synthetic processes for modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams in chemistry and delivery.
• Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Support regulatory interactions and scientific communication with investors and advisory boards.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry or Organic Chemistry

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.