Oligonucleotide Chemistry Lead for RNA Therapeutics

DTX Pharma, a Novartis Company; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

DTX Pharma, a Novartis Company, Cambridge, USA, seeks a Principal Scientist I or II in Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation. Lead syntheses, design novel chemistries, and mentor a team in a fast-paced RNA therapeutics program.

You will drive SAR-driven optimization, develop scalable routes for preclinical candidates, and coordinate with discovery and analytical groups to push programs forward.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related discipline.
• 5+ years in synthesizing therapeutic oligonucleotides.
• Deep expertise in solid-phase synthesis, deprotection, purification, characterization.
• Experience developing novel oligonucleotide chemistries and conjugates.
• Knowledge of phosphoramidite chemistry and modern synthetic techniques.
• Hands-on with automated synthesizers and analytical instrumentation.
• Understanding of RNA therapeutics including siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides.
• Excellent collaboration and communication across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, purification, characterization of modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Design and optimize novel oligonucleotide chemistries via SAR studies.
• Develop robust synthetic routes for preclinical candidates.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration from discovery through preclinical stages.
• Mentor scientists and improve lab workflows for efficiency and quality.
• Establish SOPs supporting reproducible manufacturing processes.
• Maintain and troubleshoot analytical/instrumentation including HPLC and LC-MS.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Conjugates design

Structure-activity studies

Analytical instrumentation

RNA therapeutics

Collaboration across teams

Mentorship

SOP development

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Automated oligonucleotide synthesizers

HPLC/LC-MS

Job description

DTX Pharma, a Novartis Company, Cambridge, USA, seeks a Principal Scientist I or II in Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation. Lead syntheses, design novel chemistries, and mentor a team in a fast-paced RNA therapeutics program.

You will drive SAR-driven optimization, develop scalable routes for preclinical candidates, and coordinate with discovery and analytical groups to push programs forward.