Senior Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation

Summary

Job Title: Senior Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation

#LI-Onsite

Location: Cambridge, USA

What if your expertise could help shape the next generation of RNA medicines? At Novartis, we're advancing breakthrough xRNA therapeutics that have the potential to transform patients' lives, and we're looking for a talented scientist to help drive that mission forward. As a Senior Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation, you'll play a critical hands-on role in developing and optimizing therapeutic oligonucleotides, applying cutting-edge chemistry to solve complex scientific challenges. Working alongside a highly collaborative team of experts, you'll have the opportunity to influence scientific strategy, champion innovation, and contribute directly to pioneering therapies in a fast-paced and rewarding research environment.

Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Execute solid-phase synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides using automated DNA and RNA synthesizer platforms.
• Purify and characterize oligonucleotides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques.
• Develop and optimize synthesis, purification, and analytical methods to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain critical laboratory instrumentation to ensure reliable data generation.
• Identify and implement innovative oligonucleotide chemistries to advance RNA therapeutic discovery programs.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to multidisciplinary scientific teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records and support reproducible, high-quality scientific practices.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Significant hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and conjugation within an academic or industry setting.
• Demonstrated expertise using automated DNA and RNA synthesizer platforms.
• Experience purifying and characterizing oligonucleotides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and scientific presentation skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment while managing multiple priorities.

Desirable Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Experience developing and optimizing methods incorporating specialty phosphoramidite building blocks.
• Expertise with high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analytical techniques for oligonucleotide characterization.
• Experience supporting the discovery and development of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides.
• Exposure to high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis workflows and process innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with urgency, accountability, and strong organizational skills.

Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• US: 93,800.00 - 174,200.00 USD Annual

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. 

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process. 

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our to learn more about our global total rewards offering: 

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? 

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement:

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.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

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 [email protected] or call View phone number on us.fitly.work and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.