Senior Scientist , Discovery Chemistry; Synthetic Chemistry

Arrowhead is seeking a hands-on synthetic chemist to support the discovery and development of novel oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Primary responsibilities include synthesis, purification, and characterization of novel molecular structures to support extrahepatic oligonucleotide delivery. This is a laboratory-focused position working with chemistry, DMPK, biology, analytical sciences, and formulation.

• 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.

• PhD in Chemistry or a 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.

• Experience with siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, or other nucleic acid modalities.
• Experience designing/synthesizing multifunctional molecules, focused libraries, or orthogonal functional-group strategies.
• Experience with plasma PK extension; highly polar/charged/amphiphilic challenging compounds.
• Familiarity with DMPK/pharmacokinetics, formulation/pharmaceutics, drug delivery, supramolecular/colloidal chemistry, lipid/nanoparticle systems, bioconjugation, or bioanalytical chemistry.
• Experience with external vendors/CROs/CDMOs.
• Experience supporting intellectual property, technical transfer, or progression of discovery compounds.

May be considered at Scientist III level; emphasis on independently executing and optimizing synthetic routes given broader project objectives.

Wisconsin pay range: $120,000 USD - $135,000 USD.