Scientist I, Discovery Chemistry (Peptide Synthesis)

Job Description

Job 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 a highly motivated Scientist I to join our Discovery Chemistry team in San Diego. This role will focus on the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides that support the discovery and optimization of next-generation RNAi therapeutics.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary discovery team, you will leverage your expertise in peptide chemistry to advance innovative drug discovery programs. The ideal candidate is an independent scientist with strong hands-on experience in peptide synthesis, analytical characterization, and scientific problem-solving who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

This position is expected to be hired at the Scientist I level; however, candidates with slightly less experience who demonstrate strong technical skills and growth potential may be considered for the Associate Scientist III level.

This role is onsite 5 days a week in San Diego.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) workflows using both automated and manual synthesis techniques.
• Purify and characterize peptides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, including HPLC and LC-MS.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and propose next steps to support discovery programs.
• Contribute to the design and optimization of novel peptide constructs that support RNAi therapeutic development.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Present scientific findings and participate in project team discussions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and company policies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific literature in peptide chemistry and drug discovery.

Requirements

• Masters in Chemistry (or related field) with 5+ years' relevant laboratory experience or Bachelors in Chemistry (or related field) with 8+ years' relevant laboratory experience. 
• Strong background in organic chemistry and analytical chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).
• Experience operating automated peptide synthesizers.
• Proficiency in analytical characterization using HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS.
• Excellent experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present scientific results.

Preferred

• Experience supporting peptide discovery from hit identification through lead optimization.
• Experience with high-throughput peptide synthesis or screening technologies.
• Familiarity with biophysical assays used to characterize biomolecular interactions.
• Experience working on oligonucleotide, peptide, or RNA-based therapeutic discovery programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to cross-functional research teams.

California pay range

$105,000—$115,000 USD

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.

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