Principal Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

For our site in Verona, Italy, we are looking for a highly motivated Oligonucleotide chemist with experience in the design, synthesis and optimization of oligonucleotide based therapeutics. Within the Discovery Chemistry Department, you will work in collaboration with project teams and clients on oligonucleotide therapeutics projects and transversally within the nucleotides and peptides platform; you must therefore be capable of managing the rational design and synthesis of bioactive oligonucleotides within a team of chemists while reporting to your manager.

Responsibilities

• Independently designs and implements scientific and synthesis strategies relating to the research and development of antisense, siRNA and other synthetic oligonucleotide therapeutics. Contributes to multiple projects, either as chemistry lead or acting as scientific consultant providing key technical knowledge to a project team.
• Plans and runs solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis campaigns together with a small team of internal chemists and in collaboration with other departments and sites
• Plays a role in the identification, development, validation and implementation of both current and next-generation technologies to enable proprietary ASO and siRNA therapeutic development including purchase and installation of hardware and software supporting synthesis, purification, and characterization of oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of techniques aimed at producing novel conjugates of oligonucleotides with targeting ligands such as small molecules, peptides and proteins and executes or directs conjugation chemistry.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the chemistry of nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides as applied to antisense, siRNA and other oligonucleotide technologies within a multi-disciplinary drug discovery environment.
• Maintains a current appreciation of the scientific literature and understanding of the state of the art in oligonucleotide chemistry, purification, and screening strategies
• Demonstrates inter-disciplinary knowledge of drug discovery (in vitro / in vivo pharmacology, ADME, PK / PD, translational research & toxicology).

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven track record of scientific contributions in oligonucleotide and conjugates research as evidenced by quality and quantity of publications / presentations / patent applications and / or the identification of preclinical development candidates.
• In this laboratory-based position, the successful candidate will partner with both internal and external chemistry teams to generate innovative solutions to synthetic and drug design challenges within the context of oligonucleotide drug discovery projects.
• She / he will maintain close interactions with computer assisted design scientists, biologists, pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical development scientists. Strong people skills and the ability to thrive in a team and goal driven environment are key attributes
• This individual must also have strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary to influence in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

Education and Experience

• PhD in Oligonucleotide Chemistry and relevant experience in a drug discovery environment OR PhD in a related field and at least 3 years of oligonucleotide synthesis experience in a drug discovery environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of design, synthesis, and purification of synthetic oligonucleotides.
• Understanding of the state of the art of oligonucleotide chemistry including associated instrumentation and technologies with the knowledge to make suitable proposals for investment in order to expand capabilities.
• Experience in scale-up synthesis would be a plus.
• Excellent project, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven interpersonal skills, including ability to work across functional lines.
• Ability to identify, select and manage third-party vendors and collaborators, communicate technical information and work with all levels and functions within the Company.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including making effective and compelling presentations in both large and small groups and communicating complex scientific and nonscientific issues to program teams.
• Ability to critically evaluate, summarize, interpret data.
• Understand published scientific literature outside of his / her immediate area of expertise and appropriately apply this understanding to company aspects
• Prepare manuscripts and other documents for publication

Evotec offers the chance to expand and develop your career in an exciting professional environment promoted by an open culture and a spirit of community.

FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.

ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.