Head, Oligonucleotide Medicinal Chemistry

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

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