Principal Scientist Oligonucleotide Process Development (Billerica MA)

Merck•Billerica, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Principal Scientist in Oligonucleotide Process Development at EMD Serono in Billerica, MA. The position involves leading process development and synthesis strategies for oligonucleotides (ASOs, siRNAs) at scales of 100 mg to 5 g. The goal is to identify process improvements for better yield, purity, turnaround times, and lower cost of goods. The role requires experience with various oligonucleotide modalities, producing conjugates (lipids, dyes, peptides, antibody conjugates), and strong laboratory skills in synthesis, purification, and characterization of Antibody-Oligo conjugates. The scientist will analyze, interpret, and present data, stay current with scientific literature, and understand the state-of-the-art in oligonucleotide chemistry, purification, and screening. Expertise in analytical techniques like UPLC, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR is expected. The role involves working with internal chemistry teams and external CROs to find solutions for synthetic and drug design challenges in oligonucleotide drug discovery projects. Experience with DoE and QbD principles is required, as is tracking project progress, generating status updates, and communicating with management.

Requirements

PhD in Oligonucleotide Chemistry and relevant experience in a drug discovery/Process development environment.
At least 8 years of oligonucleotide synthesis experience in industry.
Experience with a variety of Oligonucleotide modalities (siRNAs, ASOs) and producing Lipids, Dyes, peptides and antibody conjugates.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data are a prerequisite.
Current with scientific literature and understanding of the state of the art in oligonucleotide chemistry, purification, and screening strategies.
Expertise in state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as UPLC, HPLC, LC-MS and NMR.
Experience with DoE and QbD (Quality by design principles).

Nice To Haves

Strong laboratory skills in synthesis, purification, and characterization of Antibody-Oligo conjugate are preferred.
Hand on experience on Akta Synth and OP-100 to modify the protocols and strong familiarity with Unicorn software.
Excellent project/time management, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and people skills and the ability to thrive in a team and goal driven environment.
Proven track record of scientific contributions in oligonucleotide and conjugates research as evidenced by publications/presentations/patent applications and/or the identification of preclinical development candidates.

Responsibilities

Lead process development and synthesis strategies of ASOs, siRNAs and other synthetic modalities (100 mg-5 g scale).
Identify process improvements for better yield, purity, turnaround times and lower cost of goods.
Analyze, interpret, and present data.
Work with both internal chemistry team and external CRO’s to generate innovative solutions to synthetic and drug design challenges within the context of oligonucleotide drug discovery projects.
Track progress against project timelines, generate regular status updates, and communicate progress and issues to management.