Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

14 weeks parental leave

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, USA is seeking a Research Scientist I or II in Oligonucleotide Chemistry to synthesize, purify and characterize therapeutic oligonucleotides. You will work across discovery and development with a collaborative team to optimize methods and document results in ELN.

The role requires 1–3 years in a lab, experience with automated solid‑phase synthesis and MS/chromatography, and a strong interest in RNA therapeutics within a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Chemistry or related field.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience in academic or industrial research.
• Hands-on experience with automated solid‑phase synthesizers and oligonucleotide workflows.
• Purification, characterization and analysis using chromatography and MS.
• Understanding of RNA therapeutics.
• Strong collaboration and self‑motivation in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute solid‑phase synthesis of research-scale oligonucleotides using automated DNA and RNA synthesizers.
• Purify, desalt, and characterize oligonucleotides using chromatography and MS.
• Develop and optimize synthesis, purification, and analytical methods.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
• Prepare and maintain SOPs for high-quality laboratory practices.
• Organize, analyze, and document results in electronic lab notebook systems.
• Collaborate within a fast-paced research environment focused on therapeutic innovation.

Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s or MSc in Chemistry

Tools

Automated solid‑phase synthesizers

Oligonucleotide synthesis workflows

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Summary

Job Title: Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Job Title: Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Location: Cambridge, USA

Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Imagine helping shape the future of RNA-based medicines through hands‑on scientific innovation. At Novartis, we're pushing the boundaries of xRNA therapeutics to address some of the world's most challenging diseases, and we're looking for a talented scientist to join us on that journey. As a Research Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry, you'll play a key role in synthesizing, optimizing, and characterizing therapeutic oligonucleotides while collaborating with a diverse team of experts across discovery and development. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your scientific expertise, grow your technical skills, and contribute directly to groundbreaking therapies that have the potential to transform patients' lives.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Execute solid-phase synthesis of research-scale oligonucleotides using advanced automated DNA and RNA synthesizers.
• Purify, desalt, and characterize oligonucleotides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
• Develop and optimize synthesis, purification, and analytical methods to improve performance and reproducibility.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation supporting oligonucleotide production and analysis.
• Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures to support high-quality and consistent laboratory practices.
• Organize, analyze, and document experimental results using electronic laboratory notebook systems.
• Contribute effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced research environment focused on therapeutic innovation.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• One to three years of laboratory experience in academic or industrial research environments.
• Hands‑on experience with automated solid‑phase synthesizers and therapeutic oligonucleotide synthesis workflows.
• Proficiency in oligonucleotide purification, characterization, and analysis using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
• Understanding of RNA therapeutics and their application in biological systems.
• Strong collaboration, adaptability, and self‑motivation in a fast-paced scientific environment.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience supporting oligonucleotide process development, optimization, or technology innovation initiatives.
• Excellent scientific communication skills with the ability to present findings to multidisciplinary teams.

Rewards

At Novartis, we're committed 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 in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range For Role

• US:66,800.00 - 124,000.00 USD Annual

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the 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, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

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

Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion / EEO Paragraph

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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, 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 email to [email protected] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.