Prinicpal Scientist, Chemistry
Company Description
At Avidity Biosciences, we are passionate about the impact of every employee in bringing potentially life-changing therapeutics to patients in need. Avidity is pioneering a new class of oligonucleotide-based therapies called AOCs designed to overcome the current limitations of oligonucleotide therapies to treat a wide range of diseases. We utilize our proprietary AOC platform to design, engineer and develop transformative therapeutics that combine the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and the precision of oligonucleotide-based therapies to access previously undruggable tissue and cell types and more effectively target underlying genetic drivers of diseases. If you are a committed, solution-oriented thinker, come make a difference with us.
Job Description
We are seeking a data-driven candidate with strong track record in oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA & ASO) and nucleic acid chemistry to join our team in San Diego. The ideal candidate should have biotech/pharma experience in advancing molecules from discovery to candidate nomination employing medicinal chemistry principles for oligonucleotide therapeutics and bioconjugates. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in challenges facing oligonucleotide chemistry, tissue targeted delivery, and intracellular delivery. The candidate is expected to be a strong team player, who enjoys scientific discovery with the ability to communicate and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment. The candidate should be thoughtful, organized, detail oriented, and curious with a thirst for learning and eagerness to solve hard problems.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Champion efforts to optimize oligonucleotides for potency, stability, and related pharmacologic properties
- Design, synthesize, and apply novel chemical modifications to enhance oligonucleotide activity
- Lead / contribute to project teams in developing sound strategies with key decision points to advance discovery projects through critical preclinical stage gates
- Design and implement lead optimization strategies to advance oligonucleotide conjugates into development
- Develop novel approaches and devise research strategies for tissue specific extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery
- Identify and implement novel approaches to enhance intracellular delivery of oligonucleotide bioconjugates
- Effectively collaborate with internal and external partners to meet project timelines
- Critically examine data and report to collaborators and key stake holders
- Write reports and communicate research results in both oral and written formats
Required Experience & Skills:
- Proven experience in optimization of oligonucleotides as demonstrated through candidate nominations and/or peer reviewed publications
- Strong track record in design and synthesis of hybrid bioconjugates, e.g., linkers, ligands, and oligonucleotides
- Demonstrate expertise on the mechanisms of and challenges with delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics
- Extensive experience with drug discovery activities relevant to oligonucleotides: screening, in vitro & in vivo pharmacology, ADME, PK/PD, and toxicology.
- Expertise in the purification and characterization of nucleic acids, amidites, oligonucleotides, and conjugates. Experience with SDS-PAGE, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and chromatography techniques (ion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, etc.) using FPLCs, HPLCs, and LC/MS.
- Experience with bioconjugation of oligonucleotides with other modalities (e.g., antibody, protein, peptide, or carbohydrates)
- Demonstrate solid written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm, integrity, self-motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
- Experience with automated synthesis of peptides and oligonucleotides is highly desirable
Qualifications, Required Experience & Skills:
- Ph.D. in organic chemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology or related discipline with experience in oligonucleotide, nucleic acid chemistry, and bioconjugation
- 10+ years’ experience in biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical settings
- Proven ability to conduct self-directed research, and to work effectively in a dynamic team environment with diverse views
Avidity Biosciences offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including equity incentives. To apply, please submit your resume to [email protected].