Scientist, RNA Chemistry

BioSpace; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Dyne Therapeutics in Waltham, MA is seeking a Scientist, RNA Chemistry to advance its oligonucleotide chemistry platform. You will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize modified RNA oligonucleotides and conjugates for in vitro and in vivo studies.

REQUIREMENTS include a PhD in Chemistry or related field with several years industry experience in biotech, hands-on synthesis/purification on platforms like MerMade, K&A, and AKTA Oligopilot, and strong data interpretation skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or a related field with relevant biotech experience.
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis and purification platforms.
• Experience in oligonucleotide conjugation is a plus.
• Ability to interpret biochemical/analytical assays for modified RNA.
• Strong independence and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, synthesize, purify, and characterize modified RNA oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Troubleshoot synthesis methods to achieve high purity and yield.
• Interpret analytical data (HPLC, LCMS) to improve product quality.
• Coordinate purification and characterization (IP/RP, IEX, SEC) of oligos.
• Register sequences and QC data in the ELN and report experiments.
• Contribute to hit-to-lead optimization and target-guided design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define deliverables and timelines.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Purification techniques

Analytical data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Chemistry

MSc with 8+ years experience

Tools

MerMade

K&A

AKTA Oligopilot

Job description

Company Overview

Dyne Therapeutics is focused on delivering functional improvement for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. We are developing therapeutics that target muscle and the central nervous system (CNS) to address the root cause of disease. The company is advancing clinical programs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) as well as preclinical programs for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Pompe disease and multiple DMD mutations. At Dyne, we are on a mission to deliver functional improvement for individuals, families and communities. Learn more at https://www.dyne-tx.com/, and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Company Overview

Dyne Therapeutics is focused on delivering functional improvement for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. We are developing therapeutics that target muscle and the central nervous system (CNS) to address the root cause of disease. The company is advancing clinical programs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) as well as preclinical programs for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Pompe disease and multiple DMD mutations. At Dyne, we are on a mission to deliver functional improvement for individuals, families and communities. Learn more at https://www.dyne-tx.com/, and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Role Summary

The Scientist, RNA Chemistry contributes to the development of Dyne’s oligonucleotide chemistry platform and supports the discovery of novel nucleic acid therapeutics. As a member of the Platform team, this role independently designs and executes the synthesis, purification, and characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates. The Scientist applies established methodologies, troubleshoots routine technical challenges, and leverages expertise in modified RNA synthesis to produce high-quality oligonucleotides using state-of-the-art laboratory technologies. This position is based in Waltham, MA

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Independently perform synthesis of modified RNA oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNAs) incorporating diverse sugar and backbone chemistries at scales suitable for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Troubleshoot andoptimizesynthesis methods to produce high quality oligonucleotides of various lengths.
• Interpretation of analytical data (HPLC, LCMS)to enableimprovedpurity and yields of synthesized oligonucleotides.
• Carry outpurification (anion exchange, reverse phase),analysis(IP/RP, IEX, SEC),characterization(LCMS, UV, melting temperature)of oligonucleotidesand their conjugates.
• Register synthesized oligonucleotides in the database (sequence, lot, and QC) and precisely report experiments in the ELN.
• Contribute to the design of oligonucleotides against various targets and rationally perform thehit-to-lead optimization process.
• Generate intermediates to prepare antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Cross-functional collaborationto define deliverables and timelines.
• Multi-task across several projects and manage time effectively to achieve results.
• Perform lab maintenance activities in collaboration with peer scientists and lab operations.
• Collect, present, and discuss data at internal team meetings.

Education And Skills Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 2 years of experience, or MSc with a minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology or life sciences. Postdoctoral experience is a plus
• Hands-on experience operating oligonucleotide synthesis and purification platforms, including MerMade, K&A, and AKTA Oligopilot.
• Experience with oligonucleotide conjugation, including antibody conjugation, is a plus.
• Familiarity with biochemical and analytical assays used to assess stability, properties, and mechanism of action of modified RNA oligonucleotides.
• Independently executes experimental work within defined research projects, applying sound scientific methodology to address increasingly complex problems.
• Interprets and communicates experimental data to support program advancement and decision-making.
• Demonstrates strong cross-functional collaboration skills, working effectively with internal partners to advance shared scientific objectives.

MA Pay Range
$118,000 - $145,000 USD
The pay range reflects the base pay range Dyne reasonably expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. Individual compensation depends on factors such as education, experience, job-related knowledge, and demonstrated skills.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principles functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance workload.
Dyne Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.