Oligo Discovery Chemistry Principal Scientist

Job Description

The successful candidate will help to establish pre‑clinical capabilities within GSK's new oligo synthesis lab. Areas of focus include the synthesis of oligonucleotide modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, as well as screening, discovery mid‑scale, conjugates, and method development. Your expertise will enable us to solve complex chemical challenges and push the boundaries of 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 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 Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of 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 AKTA Oligosynt synthesizers, Cytiva, AKTA 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 (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 Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
• 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.
• Committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team‑based culture.

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.