Possess a deep understanding of contemporary oligonucleotide modification patterns, including 2'-O-methyl, 2'-fluoro, LNA, cEt, constrained analogs, phosphorothioate stereochemistry, phosphodiester incorporation, glycol nucleic acids, morpholino chemistry, and other emerging chemistries and how individual modifications influence potency, nuclease resistance, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, immunostimulation, and toxicity. They will develop medicinal chemistry strategies that leverage state-of-the-art chemical modifications and oligonucleotide architectures to optimize potency, stability, tissue distribution, durability, and safety, while providing scientific leadership for both internal research and external CRO activities.