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Senior Scientist I, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

5+ years
$89,600 – $166,400
10 Nov. 14, 2025
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc/M.Sc/M.Pharma/B.Pharma/Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Senior Scientist I – Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Job ID: REQ-10066606
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Division: Biomedical Research
Business Unit: Research
Job Type: Full-time (Onsite)
Employment Type: Regular
Shift: No shift work
#LI-Onsite


Summary

Novartis is hiring a Senior Scientist I to join the xRNA Therapeutics team at their Cambridge, MA site. This is a fully onsite role with no remote or relocation options. The scientist will support the establishment of a new oligonucleotide synthesis laboratory.


Key Responsibilities

1. Oligonucleotide Synthesis & Characterization

  • Synthesize, purify, and characterize therapeutic oligonucleotides.

  • Operate automated oligo synthesizers (e.g., Shasta, K&A, Mermade).

  • Maintain SOPs for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure reproducibility.

2. Chemical Design & Development

  • Design and synthesize novel nucleoside phosphoramidites for integration into therapeutic oligonucleotides.

3. Analytical Testing

  • Purify and analyze oligonucleotides using:

    • LC/HRMS

    • RP-HPLC

    • AEX-HPLC

    • SEC-HPLC

    • UV-Vis

4. Team Collaboration

  • Work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.


Essential Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in:

    • Nucleoside & oligonucleotide synthesis

    • Purification

    • Characterization techniques

  • Familiar with automated SPOS platforms for therapeutic oligo synthesis.

  • Strong understanding of analytics used for oligonucleotide QC.

  • Basic understanding of RNA therapeutics and their biological relevance.

  • Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability.


Compensation

  • Salary Range: USD $89,600 – $166,400 per year.

  • Final salary based on skills, experience, and internal considerations.

  • Eligible for:

    • Performance-based cash incentives

    • Annual equity awards (depending on level)


Benefits

US-based employees receive:

  • Health, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) with company contribution and match

  • Generous time-off package (vacation, personal days, holidays, leaves)

  • Career development opportunities

  • Supportive and inclusive work culture


About Novartis

Novartis aims to improve patient lives through innovative science. Employees join a global community focused on collaboration, passion, and scientific breakthroughs.


Equal Opportunity Statement

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics.


Accessibility

For disability-related accommodations during the application or job process:
Email: us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com
Phone: +1 (877) 395-2339
(Include job requisition number when contacting.)