Director Chemistry

Ignite Human Capital is proud to represent a confidential client — a cutting-edge, early-stage genetic medicine company pioneering RNA-targeted therapeutics. This organization is developing novel approaches to precisely correct disease-causing mutations at the RNA level, with the potential to address conditions long considered undruggable. Backed by strong science and a focused leadership team, the company is advancing its pipeline through IND-enabling studies and beyond.

The Director, Chemistry will serve as a key scientific and strategic leader, owning the design, optimization, and advancement of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics — with particular focus on conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery technologies.

What you'll do

• Lead scientific strategy and execution for conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery approaches across oligonucleotide therapeutic programs.
• Drive innovation in 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 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, including antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs).
• Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing scientific teams; foster a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external collaborators.
• Support external partnerships, collaborations, and diligence activities related to delivery and conjugation technologies.
• Stay current with scientific advancements and the competitive landscape in oligonucleotide therapeutics and conjugate technologies.

What you'll bring

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics, conjugation chemistry, or targeted delivery platforms within biotech or pharma.
• Demonstrated success advancing therapeutic programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
• Strong experience with ligand-mediated delivery, receptor targeting, and extrahepatic delivery approaches.
• Deep expertise in bioconjugation technologies and emerging delivery modalities.
• Proven leadership 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.

Compensation & benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package including base salary, annual performance bonus, and equity awards. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with matching, generous PTO, paid holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program.