Oligonucleotide Conjugation Principal Scientist Full-time

Job Opportunity At Gsk

The successful candidate will help to establish pre-clinical capabilities within GSK's new oligo synthesis and conjugation lab. Areas of focus are conjugation of modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, oligo synthesis and chemistry, and conjugate purification strategies. Your expertise will enable us to solve complex delivery challenges, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in oligonucleotide therapeutics.

This role will provide you the opportunity to lead key activities to progress your career, these responsibilities include some of the following:

• Establish pre-clinical oligonucleotide conjugation capabilities of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with small molecule ligands, linkers, and other conjugates such as peptides, nanobodies, antibodies and other proteins.
• Perform hands-on work, establish conjugate synthesis workflows including designing, implementing and optimizing conjugation and purification strategies.
• Serve as the oligonucleotide conjugate SME for the team, representing oligo conjugates 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 oligo synthesis chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide conjugate synthesis.
• Train and/or build a small team to support conjugation capabilities.
• Collaborate and communicate across various teams to build robust workflows, or leverage internal resources to deliver on portfolio endpoints.

Why You?

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD with 2+ years or MS with 4+ or BS with 8+ years' experience in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical biology or related field.
• 2 + years of industry experience in designing, synthesizing and characterizing oligonucleotide conjugates using small molecules, linkers, peptides, antibodies, or other types of protein.
• Experience with protein-based purification techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse phase, size exclusion, ionic chromatography potentially using Cytiva ÄKTA Avant and Pure purification systems and Unicorn software.
• Expertise in conjugation chemistries, site-specific modification, and biological familiarity of RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors).

Preferred Qualifications

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Minimum MS with 4+ years or above (or PhD +2) in Oligonucleotide conjugation and/or Chemistry and/or related fields.
• Prior experience with team leadership, scientific and professional mentorship, and project management.
• Team-focused with strong initiative and ability to troubleshoot challenges and implement new solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team are required.
• Prior experience with oligonucleotide synthesis and nucleoside chemistry is desirable but not required.
• Sense of urgency, flexibility, independence and accountability.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels both inside and outside of organization.
• 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.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it's also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the GSK Service Centre at 1-877-694-7547 (US Toll Free) or +1 801 567 5155 (outside US).

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.