Principal Scientist Oligonucleotide Translational Science (Billerica MA)

Merck•Billerica, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Principal Scientist in Oligonucleotide Translational Science at EMD Serono, located in Billerica, MA. The position focuses on defining and executing translational strategies for oligonucleotide programs from discovery to the preclinical stage. The scientist will develop and utilize various assays to quantify molecular changes and integrate data to drive structure-activity relationships. This role requires strategic thinking, scientific rigor, and the ability to work at the intersection of discovery and clinical development, with responsibilities including tracking project progress and communicating updates to management. The company emphasizes a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to improve and prolong lives through its healthcare solutions.

Requirements

PhD in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology or related disciplines
Minimum 5 years of related industry experience
External applicants must be eligible to work in the US

Nice To Haves

Proven track working with Oligonucleotide modalities like ASO’s and siRNAs
Experience with LCMS-based analytical method development desired
Knowledge of GxP requirements and application of statistical methods in the analytical laboratory is a plus
Strong interpersonal skills, communication, and collaboration

Responsibilities

Define and execute translational strategies for oligonucleotide programs from discovery to preclinical stage
Develop in house qPCR, Nan string, Western and fluorescent readouts to quantify mRNA knockdown, splice modulation, and protein KD
Integrate in vitro potency, off target, innate immune to drive SAR with Oligo Chemist and Bioinformatics
Design and interpret efficacy, and safety relationships for siRNA, ASO and AOC modalities and utilize translational approaches
Develop translational screening cascade to prioritize oligo constructs, Conjugates and delivery strategies
Strategic thinking with strong scientific rigor and ability to work at the interface of discovery and clinical development
Track progress against project timelines, generate regular status updates, and communicate progress and issues to management