Senior Scientist II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Novartis Farmacéutica; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join their dynamic xRNA team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This role involves leading the synthesis, purification, and characterization of therapeutic oligonucleotides while collaborating with diverse teams to advance groundbreaking RNA therapies. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Organic Chemistry and have a strong background in RNAi design and drug discovery. Join a collaborative and innovative environment where your contributions can significantly impact patients' lives and help shape the future of RNA therapeutics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field with 2+ years in pharma.
• Experience in RNAi design and drug discovery is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis and purification of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on RNA therapies.

Skills

RNAi design

Analytical characterization

Solid phase synthesis

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

FPLC

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

Job ID REQ-10048535

Apr 18, 2025

USA

Summary

Internal Title: Senior Scientist II
This position will be located at Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join our fast-paced xRNA team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The 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 be responsible for the innovation, synthesis, purification and characterization of therapeutic oligonucleotides. The scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams across key Therapeutic Areas including cardiometabolic, neuroscience and renal to discover and develop next generation of breakthrough RNA therapies for patients.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:

• Independently lead discovery-scale solid phase synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides
• Routinely purify oligonucleotides by using FPLC/HPLC
• Strong background in analytical characterization of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates including RP-HPLC and LC-MS
• Collaborate with scientists across the Therapeutics Areas and project teams to advance discovery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to clinical candidates focusing on experimental execution and achieving project objectives
• Analyze, summarize and present results to project teams and senior leadership
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including oligonucleotide synthesizers and purification and analytical equipment
• Foster safety culture in the laboratory and implement safety practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges to optimize current procedures
• Review and stay current on scientific literature and apply novel solutions and strategies to advance science in nucleic acids
• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related scientific discipline
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in pharmaceutical setting
• Prior experience with drug discovery focused on RNAi design, screening, and characterization
• Deep knowledge of RNAi chemistry
• 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

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?

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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 [e-mail] 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.

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.