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

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute medium- and large-scale solid-phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Oversee a state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesis facility, including efficient management of capital and consumables budgets.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists specializing in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analysis, and downstream processing at the millimole scale to support our growing siRNA portfolio.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality siRNA materials for in vitro screening and in vivo studies within drug candidate pipelines.
• Collaborate with discovery xRNA oligonucleotide synthesis teams in Basel and Cambridge.
• Provide technical leadership to the scale-up team, optimizing methodologies and processes for enhanced oligonucleotide synthesis efficiency.
• Partner with synthetic chemists and project teams to scale up new siRNA chemistries that address key scientific challenges and enable seamless progression into development.
• Document and clearly communicate scientific findings and insights to internal and external stakeholders through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Mentor, train, and support team members by sharing technical expertise and hands-on experience.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.

Minimum Requirements - What you will bring to the role:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on oligonucleotide synthesis, plus 2–3 years of industry experience.
• Proven track record in mid/large‑scale oligonucleotide solid‑phase synthesis using automated synthesizers, and downstream processing including expertise in process development.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience developing scientific teams.
• Ability to promote and implement innovative ideas within a global team environment.
• Strong independent problem-solving skills.
• Highly collaborative mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining focus on key objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.