Oligonucleotide Chemistry Lead

About the Job

Title: Oligonucleotide Chemistry Lead

Type: Full-time, On site

Location: Boston MA

NuCyRNA Therapeutics

NuCyRNA Therapeutics was founded by a small team of scientists with a shared mission: to rethink RNA-targeting therapeutics and bring true disease-modifying treatments to patients with devastating neurodegenerative diseases. Backed by Mission BioCapital, we’ve built a platform that unlocks entirely new RNA-targeting capacities—particularly in the CNS—where safety and precision matter the most.

We are now expanding our platform into targeted CNS delivery using Antibody–Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), a key strategic pillar for the company. NuCyRNA is seeking an Oligonucleotide Chemistry Lead with a strong background in siRNA chemical modifications.

Your Role

As one of NuCyRNA’s earliest scientific hires, you won’t just “execute experiments”—you’ll shape the scientific direction of a company from the ground up. You will

1. Lead the preclinical development of oligonucleotide and AOC candidates in close collaboration with founders, advisors, and CRO partners.

2. Oversee CROs across study design, execution, troubleshooting, and data interpretation for in vitro and in vivo studies.

3. Conduct targeted in-house in vitro experiments as needed.

Your work will directly influence which AOC candidate(s) move toward IND-enabling studies—and ultimately, toward patients.

Skills & background

1. Strong science background in oligonucleotide chemistry, especially in siRNA chemistry.

2. Experience with AOC or brain-shuttle technologies is a strong plus.

3. PhD or MD in a relevant field; exceptional candidates with significant experience and without a doctorate will be considered.

4. Prior industry experience is a plus but not mandatory. Fresh PhD graduates and post-docs are welcome to apply.

Compensation

We offer competitive salary and equity packages aligned with experience and the company’s early-stage growth trajectory.

Career Advancement Opportunities

As one of the first full-time scientific hires, you'll work directly with NuCyRNA Therapeutics' founders, advisors, and CROs. This position offers exposure to multiple startup aspects, including scientific research, business operations, strategic planning, and intellectual property management. The role provides opportunities for rapid professional growth and financial rewards as the company expands.

What we value at NuCyRNA

1. Entrepreneurial Spirit : We seek individuals who embody an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and adaptability in approaching challenges and opportunities.

2. Execution Excellence : We place a strong emphasis on the ability to design and execute experiments with rigor, speed, and clarity.

3. Ownership : You will own your scientific area. We value individuals who not only execute experiments, but also think strategically, anticipate challenges, and drive solutions forward.

4. Scientific Integrity : We uphold high standards of scientific communication, valuing transparency and accuracy in all our research. Our team members are expected to maintain open and honest dialogue regarding scientific matters.

5. Professional Growth : We value the professional development of our team members. We believe in nurturing talent and providing pathways for career advancement.

NuCyRNA offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. Being part of the NuCyRNA team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to address technology challenges and huge unmet medical need in neurodegenerative diseases.

How to apply

Application link based on Google Forms:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. We aim to make decisions by Jan 31, 2026 . If the Google Forms link is active, we are still accepting applications.

For any questions, please email [email protected]. Please note that resumes should only be uploaded via the Google Forms link above, not sent to this email.

NuCyRNA Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. NuCyRNA does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.