Principal Scientist – Oligonucleotide & AOC Analytical Chemistry

Atrium Therapeutics•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking a Principal Scientist to build and lead analytical characterization of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) designed to selectively deliver siRNA payloads to cardiomyocytes. The role will develop phase-appropriate analytical methods for AOC drug substance and drug product, as well as intermediates including antibodies, siRNA duplexes, and linker-oligonucleotides. The scientist will generate data to inform conjugation chemistry, process development, stability, and specifications for IND-enabling and early clinical programs. The position is primarily laboratory-based and will establish a strong analytical foundation within Chemistry & Technical Development. It will work in partnership with Biology, Developmental Sciences, external CDMOs, and contract testing laboratories.

Requirements

Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field with 8 or more years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, an M.S. with 12 or more years, or a B.S. with 14 or more years.
Demonstrated analytical leadership on AOC, ADC, or oligonucleotide-conjugate programs through IND or later.
Expert hands-on experience with HPLC/UHPLC, including SEC, HIC, IEX, and IP-RP, and LC-MS of proteins and/or oligonucleotides, including data processing and deconvolution.
Experience with capillary electrophoresis (CE-SDS, icIEF) and spectroscopic quantitation.
Experience with method transfers and impurity characterization across development phases.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear written and oral communication in a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary team.
Ability to independently manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deliverables, and meet timelines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Familiarity with antibody chemistries and their analytical signatures.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SEC-MALS, native MS, peptide mapping, or hybridization-based and ligand-binding assays.
Publication or patent record in bioconjugate or oligonucleotide analytics.
Experience with statistical software such as JMP or Design-Expert for data analysis.

Responsibilities

Build internal analytical capabilities and laboratory infrastructure.
Develop, optimize, qualify, and transfer analytical methods for AOCs, oligonucleotide intermediates, and related materials.
Design and execute forced-degradation and development stability studies, and elucidate degradation pathways for antibody and oligonucleotide components.
Lead analytical efforts and provide in-process and release-type testing of oligonucleotides and conjugates for discovery, process development, and GLP studies.
Partner with oligonucleotide and AOC bioconjugation teams to develop methods for characterizing and quantifying process intermediates and impurities.
Evaluate and implement analytical technologies to strengthen oligonucleotide and AOC characterization.
Maintain rigorous electronic laboratory notebook records and present data and recommendations to project teams.
Author and review method SOPs, technical reports, and analytical sections supporting GLP studies and regulatory submissions.