Senior Scientist II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Full-time

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.

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

Essential Requirements

• 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

Desirable Requirements

• 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

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between: $98,700 and $183,300/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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.

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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range $98,700.00 – $183,300.00

Skills Desired: Analysis, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Skill, Automation, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Creativity, Curiosity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Innovation, Innovative Medicines, Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, R&D (Research And Development), Research, Science, Team Player