Head of Chemistry

Orum Therapeutics is seeking a highly accomplished chemistry leader to head our Chemistry function, encompassing synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical chemistry. This role is designed for a technical and organizational leader who thrives at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) or degrader-conjugate payload discovery. As the senior scientific leader for chemistry, you will guide a cohesive team of ~10 scientists across our US and Korea sites, set the strategic direction for our chemistry platform, and serve as a key scientific partner to the CSO and broader R&D organization as Orum advances its pipeline.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Own the strategic and scientific direction of the chemistry organization, spanning synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical chemistry, in support of Orum's ADC and degrader-conjugate pipeline.
Provide hands-on technical leadership in medicinal chemistry, conjugation, and linker chemistry, guiding program teams from early discovery through candidate nomination.
Lead, mentor, and manage a cohesive team of approximately 10 scientists, ensuring workload is sustainably distributed and that team members' development needs and career growth are actively supported.
Partner cross-functionally with CMC, Biology, Clinical, BD, IP, and Project Management to align chemistry strategy with program milestones and company priorities.
Represent the chemistry function in program and candidate reviews, and in relevant external-facing scientific discussions.
Evaluate emerging technologies and AI tools relevant to chemistry, applying sound judgment on what is genuinely worth adopting.
Coordinate and maintain consistency of chemistry strategy, standards, and team culture across both US and Korea sites.
Foster a democratic, transparent team environment — leading through influence and group input, creating space for debate and dissent, and remaining comfortable when your own position isn't the one the team selects.
Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Strong medicinal chemistry background, evidenced by relevant peer-reviewed publications and/or patent filings, with 5–10 years of leadership experience.
Direct experience in ADC or degrader/antibody-conjugate (payload discovery) chemistry — a core technical requirement for this role.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a cross-disciplinary team spanning synthetic organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical science.
Proven track record of managing both up and down within an organization, with the judgment to operate effectively in a fast-paced, resource-conscious biotech environment.
Strategic, innovative thinker who can point to concrete past examples of driving new scientific or organizational capability, not just describe the instinct.
Comfortable operating in a flat, trust-based culture, leading through influence rather than positional authority; genuinely open to being challenged and to decisions not going your way.
Strong interpersonal skills: inclusive, gives credit generously, and stays plugged into day-to-day team dynamics rather than leading from a distance.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, sites (US/Korea), and seniority levels.
Education
Ph.D. or equivalent in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field, with 5–10 years of relevant leadership experience. Level will be commensurate with experience and accomplishments.
*U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. (green card) are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor/transfer at this time.
*Candidate must be able to pass a background investigation.
*Unable to work with 3rd party candidates or agencies.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily within the context of the representative work environment and physical demands described above. Likewise, qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the position's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Orum Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Employment type
Full-Time US

Work arrangement
No