Associate Scientist I, Discovery Chemistry Operations
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
$60,000 - $68,000 / year
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Description
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead’s RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.
Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.
Arrowhead’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.
The Position
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Discovery Chemistry Department. The successful candidate will primarily focus on oligonucleotide conjugation, purification, and characterization. They will be joining a team of highly motivated and experienced scientists and will contribute to the success of Arrowhead programs.
Responsibilities
- Conjugate compounds of interest to oligonucleotides through established protocols
- Optimize methods of conjugation to a diverse set a biomolecules and small molecules. Troubleshoot reaction conditions to improve yields and purity
- Document lab work through an electronic lab notebook
- Track progress against project timelines, generate regular status updates, and communicate progress and issues to management
- Perform tasks across multiple projects
- Manage time effectively to meet deadlines
- Adhere to safe laboratory practices
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry degree with excellent understanding of organic and analytical chemistry
- 0-2 years of experience working in a chemistry laboratory
- Experience with a wide range of analytical techniques, especially HPLC
- Ability to quickly learn new procedures and techniques
Preferred
- Experience with large-molecule synthetic targets (especially oligonucleotides), in an academic or industry setting.
- Previous experience working in a synthetic chemistry lab
Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.
About this role
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is looking for an Associate Scientist to support its Discovery Chemistry operations in Madison, focusing on the synthesis and preparation of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. In this role, you would conjugate compounds to oligonucleotides using established protocols, optimize conjugation methods across different biomolecules and small molecules, and troubleshoot reactions to improve yields and purity. You'll document your work in electronic lab notebooks, track progress against timelines, and communicate updates to management while balancing contributions across multiple projects.
The position suits someone with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry and a solid foundation in organic and analytical chemistry. You'll need 0–2 years of hands-on lab experience and proficiency with analytical techniques, particularly HPLC. Prior exposure to large-molecule synthesis or oligonucleotide work—whether in academic or industry settings—is valued but not required; what matters more is your ability to learn new procedures quickly and work safely in a lab environment. This is a full-time, in-office role in Madison with a salary range of $60,000–$68,000.
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Pay for this role
$60,000 to $68,000 per year
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