OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Scientist I/II, Medicinal Chemistry
OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, United States, 92189
OliX Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing next-generation RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Founded in 2010, OliX is publicly traded in Korea and collaborates globally to advance transformative RNA medicines.
At the heart of OliX’s innovation is our proprietary asymmetric siRNA (asiRNA) platform, enabling precise, durable gene silencing with minimized off-target effects. Delivery platforms include:
GalNAc-asiRNA for liver-targeted therapies
cp-asiRNA for local delivery in skin, eye, and lung indications
This broad technology base supports pursuing undruggable targets across metabolic disease, dermatology, ophthalmology, and fibrosis. Our clinical pipeline includes:
OLX75016 – Phase I for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis, partnered with Eli Lilly
OLX72021 – Phase I completed for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss)
OLX10212 – Phase I for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the U.S.
Strategic partnerships with Eli Lilly, L’Oréal, and Hansoh Pharmaceutical help accelerate growth and discovery. OliX is committed to creating transformative therapies for patients worldwide.
Job Summary
OliX is seeking a Scientist I/II, Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule design and synthesis in support of our expanding RNAi therapeutic pipeline. The successful candidate will focus on creating novel small molecules—including delivery enhancers, conjugation partners, and pharmacological modulators—that complement and advance OliX’s RNAi medicines.
This role offers the opportunity to apply classical medicinal chemistry expertise in a cutting-edge environment, directly contributing to discovery and clinical programs arising from partnerships with Eli Lilly, L’Oréal, and Hansoh Pharmaceutical.
Key Responsibilities
Design and synthesize novel small molecules to support RNAi therapeutic development, including delivery enhancers, conjugation partners, and pharmacological modulators
Execute synthetic strategies for nucleoside and nucleotide building blocks
Develop innovative bio-conjugation strategies linking RNAi molecules with small molecules or peptides
Perform advanced analytical characterization (UHPLC, LC/MS, NMR, UV-Vis)
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation
Document research results in SOPs, batch records, technical reports, and presentations
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams spanning medicinal chemistry, RNAi chemistry, and biology
Maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (0–3 years postdoc/industry) or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant small-molecule industry experience
Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and small-molecule drug design
Demonstrated ability to apply medicinal chemistry principles to optimize molecules for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties
Proficiency with analytical methods (UHPLC, LC/MS, NMR, UV-Vis)
Excellent record-keeping, communication, and teamwork skills
Experience drafting SOPs or batch records is a plus
Why Join OliX?
Join OliX to contribute to programs at the intersection of small-molecule medicinal chemistry and RNAi therapeutics. With active Phase I programs and partnerships with Eli Lilly, L’Oréal, and Hansoh, OliX offers a collaborative, innovation-driven environment where your work can impact future therapies.
Competitive compensation and benefits
Base salary range of $85,000 – $145,000 (experience-based)
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Stock option grants
Professional growth opportunities in a collaborative lab setting
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
For more information about OliX and to stay updated on opportunities, visit OliX’s career page.
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