Oligo Discovery Chemistry Principal Scientist Full-time

GSK Oligonucleotide Synthesis Scientist

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.

The successful candidate will help to establish pre-clinical capabilities within GSK's new oligo synthesis lab. Areas of focus are SPOS of modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors screening, discovery mid-scale, 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:

• Establish pre-clinical oligonucleotide mid-scale synthesis capabilities of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and novel next generation amidite chemistries.
• Develop and maintain discovery mid-scale workflows.
• Perform hands-on work, establish oligo synthesis workflows and draft SOPs in support of next generation chemistry and method development.
• Serve as the mid-scale oligo synthesis SME for the team, representing oligo synthesis in various cross matrix meetings.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Work with the oligo analytical and conjugate chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide and conjugate synthesis.
• Collaborate and communicate across various teams to build robust workflows, or leverage internal resources to deliver on portfolio endpoints.

Basic Qualification:

• PhD with 3+ years' experience in chemistry, oligonucleotide synthesis, or chemical biology or related fields.
• 2+ years of industry experience in modern synthetic chemistry methods, particularly nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analysis.
• General familiarity with mid-scale synthesizers, such as ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizers, Cytiva, ÄKTA Avant and Pure purification systems with Unicorn software, and LC/HRMS, UPHLC, LC/MS analytics.
• Expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS), and biological familiarity of RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors).
• Team-focused with strong initiative and experience troubleshooting challenges and implementing new solutions.
• Prior experience with scientific and professional mentorship and project leadership.

Preferred Qualification:

• 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.
• Demonstrable sense of urgency, flexibility, independence and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to 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.

This role is fulltime on-site at our Cambridge MA offices.

We value curiosity, accountability, and respectful collaboration. We look for practical problem solvers who communicate clearly and act with scientific rigour. We welcome people with varied backgrounds and perspectives who will strengthen our inclusive team.

How to apply:

If you are excited by this opportunity, please submit your CV and a short note describing what motivates you about this role. We look forward to learning how your skills and experience can help us get ahead of disease together.