Scientist, Oligonucleotide Synthesis

GSK; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GSK in Cambridge, MA, seeks a candidate for a role in its oligonucleotide synthesis lab. The successful candidate will support pre-clinical capabilities and address complex chemical challenges through hands-on work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications include an MS with at least 2 years or a BS with 4 years of relevant experience in chemistry or related fields. This on-site role emphasizes direct experience with laboratory automation and oligonucleotide synthesis.

Qualifications

• Master's with 2+ years or Bachelor's with 4+ years in chemistry or related field.
• Direct experience with laboratory automation platforms required.
• Proficiency in oligonucleotide synthesis and biological understanding of RNA therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Support high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Maintain automation workflows for next generation chemistry.
• Collaborate with teams for project goals.

Skills

Laboratory automation platforms

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Chemical biology

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Chemistry or related field

BS in Chemistry or related field

Tools

High-throughput synthesizers

LC/MS analytics

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

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.