Principal Scientist – Mid-Large Scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis, xRNA Therapeutics

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Role Purpose:
Novartis xRNA Therapeutics is seeking a passionate, highly motivated and experienced PhD-level scientist to lead mid/large scale oligonucleotides synthesis activities and manage a team at our Basel site to support our xRNA Therapeutics development. This role requires extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment, bridging research and development to enable the discovery and advancement of innovative RNA therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute medium- and large-scale solid-phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides (siRNAs, ASOs, and other emerging synthetic modalities) and conjugates to support our xRNA therapeutics portfolio.

Mentor and lead a team of scientists specialized in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analysis, and conjugation at millimole scale.

Collaborate with global discovery, development, and project teams to advance novel oligonucleotide chemistries and facilitate their successful transition from research into development.

Identify and implement innovative technologies, workflows, and manufacturing approaches to enhance operational excellence, production capabilities, and turnaround times of siRNA, ASO and other oligonucleotide modalities supporting in vivo and preclinical studies.

Communicate scientific findings and project updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders through presentations, technical reports, and patent applications.

Maintain high-quality scientific documentation, including electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), experimental protocols, technical reports, and project summaries.

Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, continuous learning, and solution-oriented problem solving.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related disciplines with a strong focus on oligonucleotide chemistry and synthesis.

Minimum 2–3 years of industry experience and proven expertise in mid- large-scale oligonucleotide solid phase synthesis, purification, analysis, conjugation, and other related processes.

Extensive experience operating and maintenance of AKTA Oligopilot/Oligosynt systems and AKTA Avant purification platforms, with strong proficiency in Unicorn software.

Strong hands-on experience with process development, method optimization and scale-up strategies of oligonucleotides.

Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring, and team management.

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a matrixed cross-functional global teams’ environment.