Oligonucleotide Design Lead (f/m/d)

Grünenthal Group; Breukelen; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Grünenthal Group in the Netherlands is seeking a senior researcher to lead the design and computational optimisation of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA, blending RNA biology with oligonucleotide chemistry to drive gene knockdown and regulatory strategies.

You will define target sites, prioritise design approaches, and accelerate design–test–learn cycles using Python or R, collaborating with chemists and delivery scientists to maximise potency and tissue activity.

Qualifications

• PhD in RNA biology, molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• More than 10 years of relevant industry experience, including at least 5 years in therapeutic antisense or siRNA design and optimisation.
• Strong computational skills, including experience developing scripts or workflows (e.g. Python or R).
• Experience designing siRNA across CNS and systemic delivery contexts, including optimisation of sequence and chemistry for robust in vivo activity.
• Proven track record contributing to or leading programs that progressed molecules to candidate stage, with demonstrated involvement in programs advancing toward clinical development.
• Strong understanding of oligonucleotide optimisation and risk assessment across discovery and development stages.
• Experience delivering siRNA therapeutics in liver and CNS indications is highly desirable, ideally including progression of molecules toward clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and computational optimisation of RNA therapeutics, particularly siRNA, integrating RNA biology with oligonucleotide chemistry to enable gene knockdown and RNA regulatory approaches.
• Define and prioritise target sites and design strategies by integrating sequence features, RNA accessibility, transcript structure, cross-species alignment, and emerging experimental data.
• Drive iterative design–test–learn cycles by analysing and rapidly integrating datasets linking sequence, chemistry, and biological activity to inform decision-making.
• Develop and apply computational tools and workflows (e.g. Python or R) to enable scalable oligonucleotide design, data integration, and rapid sequence–chemistry iteration.
• Partner closely with oligonucleotide chemists and delivery scientists to co-optimise sequence, chemical modifications, and delivery approaches to maximise potency, durability, and tissue activity.
• Lead and contribute to discovery programs advancing RNA therapeutic candidates toward candidate profiling and clinical development, while helping prioritise and evaluate new targets aligned with platform capabilities.

Skills

RNA biology

Molecular biology

Computational biology

Bioinformatics

Python

R

siRNA design

Oligonucleotide design

Delivery strategies

Education

PhD in RNA biology, molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Professional | Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid

If you’re passionate about changing lives for the better, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In Research & Development, we’re continuously exploring innovative new treatment options to make a stronger, more positive impact on the lives of the patients we serve. You’ll work with talented colleagues in a state-of-the-art Research & Development environment, developing innovative medicines that change the life of patients for the better and help us make progress towards our vision of a world free of pain. Join us today, and discover the difference you can make.

What The Job Looks Like

Every day you will enjoy different challenges such as:

• Lead the design and computational optimisation of RNA therapeutics, particularly siRNA, integrating RNA biology with oligonucleotide chemistry to enable gene knockdown and RNA regulatory approaches, including up-regulation strategies.
• Define and prioritise target sites and design strategies by integrating sequence features, RNA accessibility, transcript structure, cross-species alignment, and emerging experimental data
• Drive iterative design–test–learn cycles by analysing and rapidly integrating datasets linking sequence, chemistry, and biological activity to inform decision-making
• Develop and apply computational tools and workflows (e.g. Python or R) to enable scalable oligonucleotide design, data integration, and rapid sequence–chemistry iteration
• Partner closely with oligonucleotide chemists and delivery scientists to co-optimise sequence, chemical modifications, and delivery approaches to maximise potency, durability, and tissue activity
• Lead and contribute to discovery programs advancing RNA therapeutic candidates toward candidate profiling and clinical development, while helping prioritise and evaluate new targets aligned with platform capabilities.

What You'll Bring To The Table

To make the most of this role and truly thrive, you should have:

• PhD in RNA biology, molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline
• More than 10 years of relevant industry experience, including at least 5 years in therapeutic antisense or siRNA design and optimisation
• Strong computational skills, including experience developing scripts or workflows (e.g. Python or R)
• Experience designing siRNA across CNS and systemic delivery contexts, including optimisation of sequence and chemistry for robust in vivo activity
• Proven track record contributing to or leading programs that progressed molecules to candidate stage, with demonstrated involvement in programs advancing toward clinical development
• Strong understanding of oligonucleotide optimisation and risk assessment across discovery and development stages, from early design through to late-stage candidate selection
• Experience delivering siRNA therapeutics in liver and CNS indications is highly desirable, ideally including progression of molecules toward clinical development
• Strong scientific problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering impact
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment with a high degree of independence, ownership, and accountability

"Be part of a team redefining what’s possible in genetic medicine, creating transformative RNA therapies for severe pain, neurological disease, and adjacent areas where we can extend the reach of our platforms."

Keith Geoffrey Phillips , the Hiring Manager