Senior Synthetic Chemist, Oligonucleotide Discovery

Scorpion Therapeutics; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Arrowhead is seeking a hands-on synthetic chemist to support the discovery and development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. This laboratory-focused role collaborates with DMPK, biology, analytical sciences, and formulation to advance extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery.

The candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize new compounds, develop multistep routes, coordinate production, and interpret cross-functional data to guide compound design.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related discipline.
• 3+ years of pharmaceutical industry or relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Strong hands-on synthetic chemistry and experimental problem-solving.
• Ability to independently define synthetic strategy and guide compound-design decisions.
• Ability to interpret cross-functional data to propose new compounds and experiments.
• Experience leading chemistry activities, mentoring, or coordinating internal/external work.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize novel compounds and focused analog series.
• Develop and troubleshoot multistep synthetic routes, purification methods, and characterization workflows.
• Coordinate internal and external production of compounds to support project timelines.
• Review compound identity, purity, concentration, and suitability for biological testing with analytical and oligonucleotide chemistry teams.
• Coordinate compound availability and timing with DMPK and in vivo pharmacology teams.
• Integrate chemical, analytical, formulation, and pharmacokinetic data to guide compound design and recommend supporting studies.
• Monitor the scientific literature and propose novel, testable chemical approaches.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Experimental problem solving

Data interpretation

Leadership mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related

Job description

Arrowhead is seeking a hands-on synthetic chemist to support the discovery and development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. This laboratory-focused role collaborates with DMPK, biology, analytical sciences, and formulation to advance extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery.

The candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize new compounds, develop multistep routes, coordinate production, and interpret cross-functional data to guide compound design.