Oligo Discovery Process Chemistry Principal Scientist

GSK; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) seeks a process discovery chemist to join its oligonucleotide synthesis lab, bridging early discovery chemistry with process rigor for in vivo study material. The role focuses on solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis at milligram‑to‑gram scale across ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors.

The successful candidate will generate rodent- and NHP-scale material, develop purification strategies, and draft SOPs to ensure seamless transfer toward larger-scale production, collaborating

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or related field. 2+ years in oligonucleotide process chemistry or related roles.
• Hands-on SPOS at mg–g scale with method development and purification.
• Experience with mid-scale synthesizers and analytical LC/HRMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead process discovery for oligonucleotide therapeutics across ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors.
• Generate in vivo study material at rodent and NHP scale.
• Develop and optimize chromatography and purification strategies across scale-up.
• Perform hands-on method development and draft SOPs bridging discovery and scale-up.
• Serve as subject-matter expert for oligo synthesis and process chemistry.
• Collaborate with analytical and conjugate chemistry teams to ensure robust workflows.

Skills

SPOS synthesis

In vivo material prep

Chromatography & purification

SOP drafting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in chemistry/related field

Tools

ÄKTA Oligosynt

Mermade12

Unicorn software

LC/HRMS

Job description

Business Introduction

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more: Our approach to R&D

Position Summary

The successful candidate will join GSK’s oligonucleotide synthesis lab as a process discovery chemist, bridging early discovery-stage chemistry with the process rigor needed to reliably deliver in vivo study material. This is a discovery lab that produces rodent- and NHP-scale API0 using an ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizer, the focus is on developing and troubleshooting solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) routes at milligram-to-gram scale, building out method development and chromatography/purification strategies, and ensuring those routes translate cleanly as programs move toward larger-scale synthesis. Areas of focus include ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, spanning routine and next-generation amidite chemistries, conjugates, and purification method development.

Responsibilities

• Lead process discovery for oligonucleotide therapeutics, developing and troubleshooting SPOS routes from milligram to gram scale for ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and next-generation amidite chemistries.
• Generate in vivo study material at rodent and NHP scale using an ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizer, ensuring synthesis and purification strategies translate cleanly from discovery into larger-scale production.
• Develop and optimize chromatography and purification strategies (e.g., IEX, RP, AEX) that scale from milligram discovery quantities through gram-scale campaigns.
• Perform hands‑on method development, establish oligo synthesis and purification workflows, and draft SOPs that bridge discovery chemistry and process/scale‑up needs.
• Serve as the oligo synthesis and process discovery SME for the team, representing process chemistry in various cross‑matrix meetings.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high‑quality, reproducible in vivo‑grade material.
• Partner with the oligo analytical and conjugate chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide and conjugate synthesis.
• Collaborate and communicate across discovery, process, and analytical teams to build robust, scalable workflows and deliver on portfolio endpoints.

Why You?

Basic Qualification

We are seeking professionals with the following required skills and qualifications to help us achieve our goals: PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field, with 2–4+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide process chemistry, process discovery, or related synthesis/process roles. Hands‑on experience with solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) at milligram‑to‑gram scale, including method development, chromatography, and purification strategies that support larger‑scale synthesis. General familiarity with mid‑scale synthesizers, such as ÄKTA Oligosynt and Mermade12, ÄKTA Avant and Pure purification systems with Unicorn software, and LC/HRMS, UPLC, LC/MS analytics. Expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) and biological familiarity with RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors), with the ability to generate in vivo rodent‑and NHP‑scale API0.

Preferred Qualification

Minimum PhD with 4+ years of experience in oligonucleotide process chemistry, process discovery, oligo chemistry, or related fields. Direct experience generating in vivo study material (rodent and/or NHP scale) in a discovery or process development environment. Experience translating discovery‑stage synthesis routes into larger‑scale synthesis and purification strategies. Prior experience with scientific and professional mentorship and project management. Team‑focused with strong initiative and ability to troubleshoot challenges and implement new solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team are required. Experience with oligonucleotide conjugation chemistries is desirable but not required. Sense of urgency, flexibility, independence and accountability. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels both inside and outside of the organization. Maintain a high level of integrity while balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities. Must be a committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team‑based culture.

Location and Working Arrangement

This position is full‑time and on‑site in the United States. Specific site location will be shared during the application process. Candidates must be willing to work in a laboratory environment.

What we value

We value curiosity, practical problem solving, and respectful collaboration. We seek people who learn quickly, share knowledge, and hold themselves accountable. We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and experiences who will help strengthen our inclusive team.

Skills

• Analytical Chemistry
• Data Analysis
• Design Thinking
• Drug Design
• Drug Discovery Process
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry

If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $121,275 to $202,125.

The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role.

• In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role.
• Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.

If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We are a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the next 10 years. Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together. Find out more on our career site.