Oligo Discovery Process Chemistry Principal Scientist

GSK; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GSK is seeking a process discovery chemist for our oligonucleotide synthesis lab. You will bridge early discovery chemistry with scalable production, focusing on SPOS routes for ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, from milligram to gram scale.

PhD in chemistry with 2–4+ years in oligonucleotide chemistry is required. Proficiency with ÄKTA Oligosynt, Mermade12, Unicorn software, and LC/HRMS is expected. Collaboration across discovery, process, and analytical teams is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or related field with 2-4+ years in oligonucleotide process chemistry or related roles.
• Hands-on SPOS experience at mg–g scale with method development, chromatography, and purification for larger-scale synthesis.
• Familiar with mid-scale synthesizers (ÄKTA Oligosynt, Mermade12) and purification systems with Unicorn software; LC/HRMS/UPLC/LCMS analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead process discovery for oligonucleotide therapeutics, developing and troubleshooting SPOS routes from mg to g scale.
• Generate in vivo study material at rodent and NHP scale, translating discovery synthesis to larger production.
• Develop and optimize chromatography/purification strategies (IEX, RP, AEX) for scale‑up.
• Draft SOPs bridging discovery chemistry and process/scale‑up needs.
• Serve as SMEs for oligo synthesis and process discovery in cross‑matrix meetings.

Skills

SPOS

Process discovery

Oligonucleotide synthesis

LC/HRMS

Communication skills

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Tools

ÄKTA Oligosynt

Mermade12

Unicorn software

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

• 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 or