Scientist, Chemistry

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 serious 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.

We are seeking a Scientist to join our team in La Jolla. This is a hands-on position with responsibility for the design, synthesis, and analysis of molecules relevant to oligonucleotide conjugates and oligonucleotide delivery. The ideal candidate will have biotech/pharma experience in medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid therapeutics, and bioconjugation. 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.

• Design, synthesis and analysis of nucleic acids, linkers, ligands, and oligonucleotides relevant to oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Apply modern organic synthesis techniques and utilize current medicinal chemistry practices to solve problems relevant to oligonucleotide conjugates and delivery
• Design and develop approaches to enable tissue and cell specific delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Lead/participate in drug discovery project teams, analysis of experimental data and providing medicinal chemistry as well as drug discovery expertise
• Design and implement lead optimization strategies to advance oligonucleotide conjugates into development
• Preparation and communication of research results in both oral and written formats

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology or related discipline with experience in oligonucleotide, nucleic acid chemistry, and/or bioconjugation
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or chemical biology with 0-3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience; B.S./M.S. 10+ years of experience
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry demonstrated by publications, patents, and presentations
• Strong track record of achievement in chemical synthesis and advancing drug discovery projects
• Drug discovery and medicinal chemistry experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable
• Experience with peptide, carbohydrate, and automated synthesis chemistries is highly desirable
• Familiarity with relevant biological disciplines, drug discovery screening, interpretation of functional readouts, and the ability to integrate these disciplines into the design of new bioactive compounds
• Proven ability to conduct self-directed research, and to work effectively in a dynamic environment with a diverse team of co-workers
• Solid written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm, integrity, self-motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail are necessary

Avidity is committed to complying with federal, state and local law on employee vaccinations. Job candidates should be aware that full vaccination against COVID-19: is required subject to legally required exceptions. Avidity is an equal opportunity employer and encourages potential or current employees to request a reasonable accommodation under federal, state and local regulations, should one be needed.