The Director, Chemistry will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the design, optimization, and advancement of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics, with a focus on conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery technologies. This individual will lead efforts across discovery platforms, driving innovation in chemical optimization, ligand-mediated delivery, and bioconjugation strategies to improve potency, biodistribution, tissue specificity, exposure, and safety profiles.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in nucleic acid chemistry and therapeutic delivery, along with a demonstrated track record advancing discovery programs from concept through IND-enabling studies. This leader will play a critical role in evaluating and implementing emerging modalities, including antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), to expand extrahepatic delivery capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the scientific strategy and execution for conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery approaches supporting oligonucleotide therapeutic programs.
• Drive innovation across conjugation design, chemical optimization, and ligand-mediated delivery technologies.
• Establish and advance platform capabilities in bioconjugation, receptor/ligand targeting, and extrahepatic delivery systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams advancing oligonucleotide programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
• Design and optimize conjugation strategies to improve potency, stability, pharmacokinetics, tissue specificity, and therapeutic index.
• Collaborate with biology, DMPK, toxicology, translational sciences, and clinical development teams to drive candidate selection and advancement.
• Identify, assess, and integrate novel conjugation chemistries, targeting ligands, and delivery technologies.
• Serve as a key scientific leader across research and development functions.
• Build and mentor high-performing scientific teams while fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, governance committees, and external collaborators.
• Support external partnerships, collaborations, and diligence activities related to delivery and conjugation technologies.
• Stay current with scientific advancements and competitive landscape in oligonucleotide therapeutics and conjugate technologies.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics, conjugation chemistry, or targeted delivery platforms within biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings.
• Demonstrated success advancing therapeutic programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
• Strong experience with ligand-mediated delivery, receptor targeting, and extrahepatic delivery approaches.
• Expertise in bioconjugation technologies and emerging modalities
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional scientific teams and complex research programs.
• Strong understanding of pharmacology, DMPK, biodistribution, and translational considerations for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic leadership skills.