Senior Scientist - Synthetic Chemist in Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

AstraZeneca GmbH; Mölndals kommun; On-site; SEK 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden seeks a Synthetic Chemist to drive oligonucleotide drug development within the Discovery Sciences division. You will lead synthesis efforts, purify and characterize compounds, and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to advance the pipeline.

The role emphasizes rigorous synthetic techniques, data analysis, and contributing to publications while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry is required and ongoing scientific excellence is expected.
• Experience in oligonucleotide or peptide synthesis is highly desirable.
• Ability to design and execute experiments autonomously.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide therapeutics, design and data analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop oligonucleotide drugs to support AstraZeneca's pipeline using cutting‑edge technologies.
• Synthesize nucleotide/oligonucleotide compounds and conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics; purify and characterize products.
• Collaborate across AstraZeneca functions for biological evaluation and high‑impact publication output.

Skills

Synthesis design

Purification & characterization

Autonomous experiment design

Oligonucleotide chemistry know‑how

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Post‑doc experience

Job description

Are you a passionate Synthetic Chemist with a great passion for science? Would you like to apply your expertise in synthetic chemistry to develop innovative oligonucleotide therapeutics and make an impact on drug discovery sciences? If yes, we have just the position for you at AstraZeneca, Discovery Sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden!

We are searching for an engaged and talented Synthetic Chemist with experience in oligonucleotide or peptide synthesis to join our Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Targeted Delivery Team within the Discovery Sciences department at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden. In a collaborative environment across therapy areas, you will get the opportunity to apply your expertise in synthetic chemistry to contribute and play a significant role in advancing the oligonucleotide therapeutic field.

We have been curious about oligonucleotides as a new modality since 2012 and our scientific interest has only grown. Therefore, we are now poised to exploit on the wealth of expertise from across our R&D units and through a new matrix organization to develop proprietary Oligonucleotide Therapeutics. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment along with an inclusive, dynamic, and team-focused atmosphere – with a goal to design and develop the oligonucleotide therapeutics of the future.

What you will do:

You will contribute to projects with a focus on developing oligonucleotide drugs to support AstraZeneca pipeline. By applying cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies, you will synthesize innovative nucleotide/oligonucleotide compounds conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics.

As an expert in synthetic chemistry, you will apply your expertise in compound purification and characterization, propose experimental strategies and troubleshoot challenges to succeed in your role. You will also be involved in oligonucleotide synthesis process in close collaboration with the team and other groups at AstraZeneca.

This position offers the opportunity not only to be creative in solving a wide range of synthetic challenges but also to learn advanced techniques and participate in biological evaluation of synthesized compounds through active collaboration with multiple experts across AstraZeneca functions. This strong network of experts will help to ensure a high‑impact publication track record. Therefore, the position offers the ability to maintain a competitive research output.

Essential requirements:

The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for driving scientific questions and is a scientifically critical individual capable of receiving and analyzing input from multiple fields and deciding on focused course of action. You should also be able to work independently and have a positive, result‑oriented, and problem‑solving attitude. Excellent English is required, both spoken and written, and ability to operate effectively in a multi‑disciplinary research environment. We also believe that you enjoy teamwork, have a collaborative nature and will be an encouraging colleague to all.

• PhD in Organic Chemistry
• Advanced and up to date knowledge in synthetic strategies, techniques and reactions
• Ability to design and execute experiments autonomously
• Knowledge of synthetic chemistry related to oligonucleotides, oligo building blocks and/or synthesis of advanced organic molecules. Knowledge in oligonucleotide therapeutics, design and data analysis is a plus

Desirable requirements:

• Scientific excellence as shown by previous work, publication list or references from scientific mentors
• Post‑doc experience

Date Posted

16-juli-2026

Closing Date

16-aug.-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.