Scientist I - AOC Bioconjugation

Socket.dev; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options/RSUs

401(k) with employer match

Wellness program & benefits

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart. We seek a hands-on Scientist I to lead design, synthesis, and scale-up of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates delivering siRNA to cardiomyocytes.

The role spans discovery through IND-enabling studies, with potential late-stage support, collaborating with Biology, Developmental Sciences, Analytical, and Technical Operations teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with 0–2 years postdoctoral or industry experience; or MS with 3–6 years industry experience; or BS/BA with 6–9 years industry experience.
• Hands-on bioconjugation chemistry experience (antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, or related)
• Working knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistry and/or monoclonal antibody structure and handling
• Hands-on experience with protein/bioconjugate purification techniques (HIC, SEC, IEX, affinity, and/or mixed-mode chromatography and tangential flow filtration)
• Proficiency with analytical characterization methods (HPLC-based, CE-SDS, icIEF, LC-MS, UV-Vis)
• IND requirements experience preferred
• Strong record-keeping, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, cross-functional data presentation

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, and characterize antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) for discovery and early development programs.
• Develop, optimize, and support CDMO tech transfer of conjugation and purification processes to improve throughput, reproducibility, and product quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with discovery and development teams to advance AOCs through IND-enabling activities and support late-stage development.
• Develop analytical methods to characterize the bioconjugation process intermediates and products, such as IEX, HIC, RP-HPLC, and LC-MS.
• Design, synthesize, and evaluate linkers for conjugation efficiency, stability, and activity.
• Stay current with literature relating to bioconjugation, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and emerging technologies for cardiomyocyte delivery.
• Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instruments to ensure continuous smooth operation.
• Maintain detailed, compliant records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) and present data and conclusions at internal project team meetings.

Skills

Bioconjugation chemistry

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Protein/bioconjugate purification

Analytical characterization methods

IND requirements

Documentation & ELN

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Biology/Biochemistry or related

MS in related discipline with 3–6 years experience

BS/BA in related discipline with 6–9 years experience

Tools

HIC

IEX

RP-HPLC

LC-MS

SEC

Tangential flow filtration

Job description

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.

This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a hands-on Scientist I to join our Integrated Discovery and Technical Development Team, focused on the design, synthesis, purification, characterization and scale-up of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) that deliver siRNA payloads selectively to cardiomyocytes. This bench-based role suits a bioconjugation chemist who wants to help advance a differentiated RNA-delivery platform, working closely with Biology, Developmental Sciences, Analytical, and Technical Operations colleagues to advance candidate AOCs from discovery through IND-enabling studies. This role will also support late-stage development as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize, purify, and characterize antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) in support of discovery and early development programs.
• Develop, optimize, and support CDMO tech transfer of conjugation and purification processes to improve throughput, reproducibility, and product quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with discovery and development teams to advance AOCs through IND-enabling activities and support late-stage development.
• Develop analytical methods to characterize the bioconjugation process intermediates and products, such as IEX, HIC, RP-HPLC, and LC-MS.
• Design, synthesize, and evaluate linkers for conjugation efficiency, stability, and activity.
• Stay current with literature relating to bioconjugation, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and emerging technologies for cardiomyocyte delivery.
• Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instruments to ensure continuous smooth operation.
• Maintain detailed, compliant records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) and present data and conclusions at internal project team meetings.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 0–2 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience; or
• M.S. in a related discipline with 3–6 years of relevant industry experience; or
• B.S./B.A. in a related discipline with 6–9 years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with bioconjugation chemistry (e.g., antibody-drug conjugate, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate, peptide conjugates or related biomolecule conjugation approaches).
• Working knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistry and/or monoclonal antibody structure and handling.
• Hands-on experience with protein/bioconjugate purification techniques (HIC, SEC, IEX, affinity, and/or mixed-mode chromatography and tangential flow filtration).
• Proficiency with analytical characterization methods (HPLC-based methods, CE-SDS, icIEF, LC-MS, UV-Vis).
• Experience with IND requirements and Common Technical Document structure is preferred
• Strong record-keeping, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data cross-functionally.

What We Provide:

• The base salary range for this role is $128,000-$142,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options & RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks.
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.