Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation

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

Band

Level 4

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

Location: Cambridge, USA

Relocation Support: Yes

Imagine advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics that have the potential to transform patients’ lives around the world. As a Principal Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation, you will play a critical role in building and advancing Novartis’ xRNA therapeutic platform, bringing scientific creativity, technical expertise, and innovation to the forefront of drug discovery. Working alongside a collaborative team of world-class scientists, you will lead the development of novel oligonucleotide chemistries, drive therapeutic innovation, and help shape the future of RNA medicines in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful scientific impact while mentoring others and contributing to breakthrough therapies that could redefine what is possible for patients.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, purification, characterization, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Design and optimize novel oligonucleotide chemistries through structure-activity relationship studies.
• Develop and implement robust synthetic routes for preclinical RNA therapeutic candidates.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to advance oligonucleotide therapeutic programs from discovery through preclinical stages.
• Mentor scientists and enhance laboratory workflows to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures supporting reproducible oligonucleotide manufacturing processes.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain critical analytical and synthesis instrumentation, including high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Essential Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• At least five years of experience synthesizing therapeutic oligonucleotides in an industry or research setting.
• Deep expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and characterization.
• Proven experience developing and optimizing novel oligonucleotide chemistries and conjugates.
• Strong knowledge of phosphoramidite chemistry and modern synthetic chemistry techniques.
• Hands-on experience operating automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering ribonucleic acid and antisense oligonucleotides.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. If you are passionate about scientific innovation, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of RNA therapeutics,

Rewards

At Novartis,we’recommitted to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.We also offer a variety of competitive benefits inkindto help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeingresourcesand global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, anda minimum of14 weekspaid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• US: 108,500.00 - 201,500.00 USD Annual

The salary offered isdeterminedbased on gender-neutralobjectives, such as relevant skills,competenciesand experiencein accordance withthe Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse,equitableand inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Readour brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the applicationprocess.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

Salary Range

• $108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

• Algorithms
• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Analysis
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Laboratory
• Chemical Synthesis
• Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Creativity
• Data Analysis
• Drug Development
• Employee Development
• Innovation
• Medical Research
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mentorship
• Organic Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Physics
• Project Team Management
• Results-Oriented
• Science