Scientist, Oligonucleotide Synthesis

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation

Caregiver leave

Job summary

GSK in Cambridge, MA is seeking a candidate to help establish pre-clinical oligonucleotide synthesis capabilities in our lab. You will lead hands-on high-throughput ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editor chemistry efforts and drive automation for routine and next-gen processes.

The role requires MS with 2+ years or BS with 4+ years in chemistry/chemical biology, hands-on lab automation experience, and knowledge of high-throughput synthesizers.

Qualifications

• MS with 2+ years or BS with 4+ years in chemistry or chemical biology or related field.
• Direct experience with laboratory automation platforms (Lynx, Fluent or similar).
• Familiarity with high-throughput synthesizers, LC/HRMS, UPHLC, LC/MS analytics.
• Proficiency in oligonucleotide synthesis and RNA therapeutics (ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors).
• Preferred: 2+ years in oligonucleotide synthesis or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-clinical oligonucleotide high-throughput and mid-scale synthesis.
• Maintain high-throughput automation workflows for chemistry and oligo development.
• Maintain SOPs for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure quality.
• Collaborate with analytical and delivery chemistry teams to ensure quality.
• Work with teams to achieve synthetic project goals.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Lab automation

RNA therapeutics

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Chemistry or related

BS in Chemistry or related

Tools

Lynx automation

Fluent (Tecan)

Mermade 192X

Dr. Oligo 192 XLc

LC/HRMS

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:

Position Summary

The successful candidate will help to establish pre-clinical capabilities within GSK’s growing oligonucleotide synthesis lab. Areas of focus are SPOS of modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors screening, high-throughput automation, conjugates, and method development. Your expertise will enable us to solve complex chemical challenges, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in oligonucleotide therapeutics.

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following:

• Support pre-clinical oligonucleotide high-throughput and mid-scale synthesis capabilities of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and novel next generation amidite chemistries.
• Perform hands-on work, maintain high-throughput automation workflows in support of routine and next generation chemistry and oligo method development.
• Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Work with the oligo analytical and delivery chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide and conjugate synthesis.
• Collaborate with various teams to achieve synthetic project goals.

Basic Qualification

• MS with 2+ or BS with 4+ years of experience in chemistry or chemical biology or related field.
• Direct experience with laboratory automation platforms, such as the Lynx from Dynamic Devices, the Fluent from Tecan or other similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Mermade 192X, Dr. Oligo 192 XLc, or other high-throughput synthesizers, LC/HRMS, UPHLC, LC/MS analytics.
• Proficiency in oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS), and biological understanding of RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors).

Preferred Qualification

• MS with 2+ years or above in Oligonucleotide synthesis and/or Chemistry and/or related field.
• 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 organization.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Must be a committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture.

Working Arrangement

This is an on-site role based at our Cambridge, MA laboratory location. You will be expected to work in the lab regularly to run and support experimental workflows. Hybrid or remote arrangements are not available for this position.

What you will gain

You will join a collaborative team focused on practical problem solving and scientific learning. You will grow technical skills in oligonucleotide chemistry and automation. You will make measurable contributions to projects with real patient-focused goals. We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and invite you to bring your perspective to our team.

If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $96,525 to $160,875. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for

Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the appropriate Recruitment Staff by emailing us at - [e-mail]

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

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