Head of Chemistry

Chemistry Leader

Orum Therapeutics is seeking a highly accomplished chemistry leader to head our Chemistry function, encompassing synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical chemistry. This role is designed for a technical and organizational leader who thrives at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) or degrader-conjugate payload discovery. As the senior scientific leader for chemistry, you will guide a cohesive team of ~10 scientists across our US and Korea sites, set the strategic direction for our chemistry platform, and serve as a key scientific partner to the CSO and broader R&D organization as Orum advances its pipeline.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the strategic and scientific direction of the chemistry organization, spanning synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical chemistry, in support of Orum's ADC and degrader-conjugate pipeline.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership in medicinal chemistry, conjugation, and linker chemistry, guiding program teams from early discovery through candidate nomination.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a cohesive team of approximately 10 scientists, ensuring workload is sustainably distributed and that team members' development needs and career growth are actively supported.
• Partner cross-functionally with CMC, Biology, Clinical, BD, IP, and Project Management to align chemistry strategy with program milestones and company priorities.
• Represent the chemistry function in program and candidate reviews, and in relevant external-facing scientific discussions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and AI tools relevant to chemistry, applying sound judgment on what is genuinely worth adopting.
• Coordinate and maintain consistency of chemistry strategy, standards, and team culture across both US and Korea sites.
• Foster a democratic, transparent team environment — leading through influence and group input, creating space for debate and dissent, and remaining comfortable when your own position isn't the one the team selects.

Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strong medicinal chemistry background, evidenced by relevant peer-reviewed publications and/or patent filings, with 5–10 years of leadership experience.
• Direct experience in ADC or degrader/antibody-conjugate (payload discovery) chemistry — a core technical requirement for this role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a cross-disciplinary team spanning synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical science.
• Proven track record of managing both up and down within an organization, with the judgment to operate effectively in a fast-paced, resource-conscious biotech environment.
• Strategic, innovative thinker who can point to concrete past examples of driving new scientific or organizational capability, not just describe the instinct.
• Comfortable operating in a flat, trust-based culture, leading through influence rather than positional authority; genuinely open to being challenged and to decisions not going your way.
• Strong interpersonal skills: inclusive, gives credit generously, and stays plugged into day-to-day team dynamics rather than leading from a distance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, sites (US/Korea), and seniority levels.

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field, with 5–10 years of relevant leadership experience. Level will be commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

* U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. (green card) are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor/transfer at this time.

* Candidate must be able to pass a background investigation.

* Unable to work with 3rd party candidates or agencies.