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Principal Scientist II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Novartis Farmacéutica

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 114,000 - 212,000

Full time

21 days ago

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Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly skilled Principal Scientist to join their innovative xRNA team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This role focuses on the design and synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides, driving innovation in oligonucleotide chemistry, and collaborating with diverse teams to advance RNAi therapeutics. The successful candidate will possess a strong research background in oligonucleotide therapeutics and will be instrumental in optimizing designs for enhanced potency and safety. Join a community of passionate professionals dedicated to making breakthroughs that change patients' lives and contribute to a brighter future in biomedical research.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus
Restricted stock units
401(k) eligibility
Paid time off
Health insurance
Parental leave

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide modification and conjugation.
  • Strong track record in drug discovery and RNAi design.

Responsibilities

  • Design and synthesize therapeutic oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers.
  • Collaborate with scientists to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis
RNAi design
Data analysis
Collaboration
Problem-solving
Communication skills

Education

PhD in chemistry
PhD in biochemistry

Tools

MerMade oligonucleotide synthesizer
Sierra BioSystems oligonucleotide synthesizer
AKTA
HPLC
LC-MS
UV/Vis

Job description

Job ID REQ-10048538

Apr 18, 2025

USA

Summary

Internal Title: Principal Scientist II
This position will be located at Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely.
We are seeking highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist to join our fast-paced xRNA team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The xRNA team strives for excellence and drives a diverse portfolio of siRNA assets and platform innovation to attenuate gene expression via RNAi. Our xRNA team works collaboratively with diverse Therapeutics Area groups, the Global Discovery Chemistry and the Discovery Sciences to broaden the use of RNAi into extrahepatic tissues.
The successful candidate will have strong research track in discovery and optimization of oligonucleotide therapeutics and will provide key expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and platform innovation.

About the Role

Key responsibilities

  • Design and synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides at different synthetic scales using automated solid-phase synthesizers.
  • Drive innovation in oligonucleotide chemistry including design, synthesis and characterization of novel oligonucleotide structures to improve potency and durability.
  • Technical fluency in operating instruments and equipment including MerMade and Sierra BioSystems oligonucleotide synthesizers, AKTA, HPLC, LC-MS, and UV/Vis.
  • Drive Structure-Activity-Relationship studies to explore oligonucleotide and conjugation chemistries. Form data driven hypothesis and strategies to optimize designs for enhanced potency, safety, and pharmacokinetics.
  • Collaborate with scientists across the Therapeutics Areas and project teams to advance discovery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to clinical candidates.
  • Independently problem-solve in the laboratory setting to overcome synthetic challenges and improve upon existing workflows.
  • Data analysis and decision making to make recommendations and presentations to project teams and senior leadership.
  • Ability to work efficiently within a dynamic and matrix team.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams within research, translational biology, and CMC to advance xRNA portfolio and drive high-speed innovation.
  • Mentor junior scientific staff and lead associates fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Qualifications
  • PhD in chemistry, biochemistry or related sciences.
  • At least 4 years of relevant industry experience focusing on the oligonucleotide modification and conjugation.
  • Prior experience with drug discovery focused on RNAi design, screening, and characterization.
  • Knowledge of RNAi chemistry and biology applied to lead optimization of therapeutic candidate.
  • A proven track record of success as judged by publications and patents.
  • Highly collaborative spirit to accelerate programs to clinic.
  • Good communication skills, creativity, and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent, oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience with extrahepatic targeting of RNAi.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between: $114,100 and $211,900/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up.

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Division Biomedical Research

Business Unit Pharma Research

Location USA

State Massachusetts

Site Cambridge (USA)

Company / Legal Entity U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

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