Senior Scientist 1 - Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Purification

SRG; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

CPI in Glasgow is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead oligonucleotide synthesis and purification development within the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. You will work on diverse R&D projects with industry partners to advance manufacturing approaches.

The role requires a strong background in synthetic chemistry, experience with automated synthesis and chromatographic purification, and the ability to lead work packages and mentor colleagues in a GMP environment.

Qualifications

• HNC or Foundation Degree plus relevant industry experience at a senior level, Degree, Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience and technical expertise in macromolecule synthesis.
• Strong practical experience in synthetic chemistry and complex technical problem solving.
• Experience working with automated synthesis equipment and chromatographic purification techniques.
• Experience delivering research and development projects in either an industrial or academic environment. Ability to independently lead scientific work packages and deliver results to project deadlines.
• Industrial experience within oligonucleotides, RNA therapeutics, pharmaceuticals or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification.
• Knowledge of GMP environments and pharmaceutical quality systems.
• Experience in oligonucleotide analytical characterisation, including LC-MS interpretation.
• Understanding of alternative or emerging approaches to oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives such as solvent reduction, replacement strategies or green chemistry approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery on R&D projects focusing on oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and process development.
• Design and execute experiments using oligonucleotide synthesis and purification technologies.
• Analyse and communicate complex data to project teams and stakeholders.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to colleagues.
• Support collaborative programmes with industry, academic partners and technology providers.
• Build relationships with clients and act as a scientific contact throughout delivery.
• Contribute to proposals, planning and future opportunities.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Synthetic chemistry

Process development

Automated synthesis

Purification techniques

Automation platforms

Scientific leadership

Education

Chemistry degree

Higher degree (MSc/PhD) in Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

Chromatography

Automated synthesis equipment

Job description

Senior Scientist 1 - Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Purification

Job Type

Permanent

Location

Glasgow

Job Ref

BBBH188987_1791535749

Date Added

October 9th, 2026

Consultant

Senior Scientist 1 - Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Purification
Salary: £34,500 - £46,500 per annum (dependent on experience)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Glasgow
Shape the Future of TIDES Manufacturing

At CPI, we bring together world-leading expertise, cutting-edge facilities and collaborative partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative healthcare technologies.

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Synthetically Derived Modalities team within the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC). This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of research and development projects alongside global pharmaceutical companies, SMEs, academic organisations and technology partners to advance next-generation oligonucleotide manufacturing.
This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist with a strong synthetic chemistry background and practical experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification to join an established team and quickly make a significant technical contribution.
The Role:

As a Senior Scientist, you will play a key role in delivering high-impact R&D programmes focused on oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and process development.
Working within multidisciplinary and multi-partner collaborations, you will provide technical leadership across projects, supporting the development of novel manufacturing approaches and helping drive innovation within the oligonucleotide space. You'll work closely with industrial partners, including large pharmaceutical organisations and SMEs, to solve complex technical challenges and accelerate process development activities.
Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Act as technical lead on small to medium-sized R&D projects and workstreams.
• Design, plan and execute experimental programmes focused on oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and process development.
• Analyse, interpret and communicate complex scientific data and experimental outcomes.
• Provide technical guidance and scientific expertise to project teams and stakeholders.
• Support the successful delivery of collaborative research programmes involving industrial, academic and technology partners.
• Build strong relationships with clients and act as a trusted scientific contact throughout project delivery.
• Contribute to proposal development, project planning and future business opportunities.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis & Innovation

• Apply expertise in synthetic chemistry to support the development of oligonucleotide manufacturing processes.
• Work with automated synthesis platforms and purification technologies including chromatographic techniques.
• Support the development and implementation of novel synthesis and purification approaches.
• Investigate opportunities to improve process efficiency, sustainability and scalability.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and innovative manufacturing strategies within the oligonucleotide sector.
• Explore alternative approaches to oligonucleotide synthesis and process intensification technologies where appropriate.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of current manufacturing and development methodologies.

Scientific Excellence

• Maintain a strong awareness of industry developments, scientific literature and emerging technologies.
• Generate high-quality technical reports, presentations and project documentation.
• Support knowledge sharing, mentoring and the development of less experienced colleagues.

About You:

You will be a scientifically curious and commercially aware chemist with the ability to move confidently between hands‑on laboratory work, client engagement and technical leadership activities.
Essential Requirements

• HNC or Foundation Degree plus relevant industry experience at a senior level, Degree, Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience and technical expertise in macromolecule synthesis.
• Strong practical experience in synthetic chemistry and complex technical problem solving.
• Experience working with automated synthesis equipment and chromatographic purification techniques.
• Experience delivering research and development projects in either an industrial or academic environment.Ability to independently lead scientific work packages and deliver results to project deadlines.
• Industrial experience within oligonucleotides, RNA therapeutics, pharmaceuticals or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification.
• Knowledge of GMP environments and pharmaceutical quality systems.
• Experience in oligonucleotide analytical characterisation, including LC-MS interpretation.
• Understanding of alternative or emerging approaches to oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives such as solvent reduction, replacement strategies or green chemistry approaches.