Principal Scientist - Oligonucleotide Design and Chemistry

We are seeking a talented and dynamic individual with extensive oligonucleotide experience to join our team as a Principal Scientist (Group Leader), supporting our nucleic-acid based medicines portfolio. This role offers a significant opportunity to impact our science and pipeline by leading the design and synthesis of novel oligonucleotides for drug discovery programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of novel oligonucleotide modalities (e.g., ASOs, siRNAs, saRNAs) across drug discovery programs.
• Guide and mentor junior scientists in chemical synthesis, troubleshooting, impurity profiling, and analytical characterization.
• Partner closely with biology and biochemistry teams to design in vitro/in vivo assays, interpret complex data, and facilitate rapid decision-making.
• Serve as a technical authority across the nucleic-acid portfolio, communicating scientific progress, key milestones, and insights to multidisciplinary project teams and stakeholders.
• Manage cutting-edge laboratory instrumentation and maintain smooth, efficient lab operations to accelerate research outcomes.
• Foster an open, highly collaborative, and inclusive environment that encourages bold scientific curiosity and innovative problem-solving.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Oligonucleotide Chemistry, or a closely related field, with 3+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of siRNA and/or ASO therapeutics, including synthesis, purification, analytics, and fluency with diverse backbone modifications and delivery technologies.
• Proven track record of leading scientific initiatives, mentoring team members, and driving cross-functional collaborations (evidenced by publications or patents).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in designing optimized oligonucleotide conjugates, linker discovery, or bioconjugation optimization.

This position is located in South San Francisco and is an on-site research position. Relocation benefits are available.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $143,200.00 - $266,000.00 USD. Annual actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

Benefits

This position qualifies for the benefits detailed at Genentech’s benefits page.