Scientist I - AOC Bioconjugation

Atrium Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

RSUs

401(k) match

Wellness program

Job summary

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on Scientist I to join the Integrated Discovery and Technical Development Team, focusing on design, synthesis, purification, characterization and scale-up of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) that deliver siRNA to cardiomyocytes.

This bench role collaborates with Biology, Developmental Sciences, Analytical, and Technical Operations to advance candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry or related field with 0–2 years postdoc/industry.
• M.S. in related field with 3–6 years industry experience.
• B.S./B.A. in related field with 6–9 years industry experience.
• Hands-on bioconjugation chemistry experience (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
• Experience with purification techniques (HIC, SEC, IEX, affinity, and/or mixed-mode chromatography and tangential flow filtration)

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, and characterize antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs).
• Develop, optimize, and support CDMO tech transfer of conjugation and purification processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance AOCs to IND-enabling activities and late-stage development.
• Develop analytical methods to characterize intermediates and products (IEX, HIC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS).

Skills

Bioconjugation chemistry

Analytical characterization

Lab record-keeping

Cross-functional communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/related

M.S. in related field

B.S./B.A. in related field

Tools

HIC

SEC

IEX

Affinity chromatography

Tangential flow filtration

LC-MS

HPLC

CE-SDS

icIEF

UV-Vis

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.