Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of automated solid-phase synthesis of complex, highly modified oligonucleotides at various scales.
• Develop and optimize robust purification processes using preparative RP-HPLC, IEX and SEC, as well as TFF and lyophilization.
• Oversee and perform comprehensive structural elucidation and purity assessments using LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, NMR, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Drive the optimization of synthetic routes and cleavage/deprotection methodologies to improve yields, reduce impurities, and ensure scalable, reproducible processes.
• Evaluate and implement novel chemical modifications, conjugation strategies (e.g., GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and delivery technologies to enhance oligonucleotide stability and potency.
• Serve as the oligochemistry lead on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Mentor and supervise junior chemists and laboratory technicians, maintaining meticulous laboratory notebooks, writing SOPs, and contributing to regulatory filings.
• Manage inventory of oligonucleotides, testing articles, and critical reagents and phosphoramidites for oligo synthesis and purification.
• Analyze, interpret, and organize data to prepare experimental reports and communicate project results at internal and external meetings.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related discipline with 4.5-8+ years of experience and minimum of 2 years industrial biopharma/biotech experience, or
• A non-PhD with 12-15 years of progressive, relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of phosphoramidite chemistry, protecting group strategies, and nucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'-OMe, 2'-F, phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acids).
• Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Cytiva ÄKTA Oligopilot, Mermade, etc.) and preparative purification systems.
• Strong background in troubleshooting and interpreting mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data for complex macromolecules.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines and cGMP manufacturing environments is highly desirable.