Principal Scientist – Oligonucleotide & AOC Analytical Chemistry

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Atrium, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides. This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable.

Position Overview:

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking an experienced analytical scientist at the Principal Scientist level to build and lead analytical characterization of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) designed to deliver siRNA payloads selectively to cardiomyocytes. This scientist will develop phase-appropriate analytical methods for AOC drug substance, drug product, and their intermediates (antibody, siRNA duplex, and linker-oligonucleotide). Moreover, the position will generate data that informs conjugation chemistry, process development, stability, and specifications for IND-enabling and early clinical programs. The role is primarily lab-based and will lay a strong foundation for analytical excellence within Chemistry & Technical Development while partnering with Biology, Developmental Sciences, external CDMOs and contract testing laboratories.

Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to 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; elucidate degradation pathways for both the antibody and oligonucleotide components.
• Serve as analytical lead and provide in-process and release-type analytical testing of oligonucleotides and conjugates in support of discovery, process development, and GLP studies.
• Partner with oligonucleotide and AOC bioconjugation teams to develop analytical methods to characterize and quantify process intermediates and impurities.
• Evaluate and implement new analytical technologies to strengthen oligonucleotide and AOC characterization.
• Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records and present data and recommendations to project teams.
• Author and review method SOPs, technical reports, and analytical sections in support of GLP studies and regulatory submissions.

Education and Requirements:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 12+ years; or B.S. with 14+ years.
• Demonstrated analytical leadership on AOC, ADC, or oligonucleotide conjugate programs through IND or later.
• Expert hands-on experience with HPLC/UHPLC (SEC, HIC, IEX, 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 impurities characterization through all development phases
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear written and oral communication in a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently, prioritize competing deliverables, and meet timelines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Familiarity with antibody chemistries and their analytical signatures.
• 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 (e.g., JMP, Design-Expert) for data analysis.

What We Provide:

• The base salary range for this role is $185,000-$205,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options & RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks.
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.