Project Lead, Preclinical development of therapeutic siRNA

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

6d • $108,500 - $201,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

Technical Research & Development (TRD) is seeking a strategic scientific leader to drive the preclinical development of therapeutic siRNA and oligonucleotide conjugates within a collaborative, cross-functional environment of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling (CPP). This role will lead candidate assessment and formulation strategy from discovery through early clinical development, applying deep expertise in conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery, and developability to advance high-potential programs. The ideal candidate brings strong scientific judgment, hands-on formulation and characterization experience, and the ability to influence project strategy, identify risks early, and partner effectively across research and development teams.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biologics development.
• Hands-on experience with analytical methods for oligonucleotide characterization, including formulation, analytics, and developability assessment.
• Deep expertise in conjugates, including conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery strategies, formulation, and preclinical development.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of advancing innovative solutions to delivery and developability challenges.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and review.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advancing siRNA therapeutics toward clinical development.
• Biologics experience supporting conjugation chemistry and delivery strategy development.
• Knowledge of solid-state properties and their impact on formulation and developability.
• Biopharmaceutics expertise for candidate assessment and formulation development; PK/PD experience is a plus.
• Ability to influence oligo construct design during lead optimization.

Responsibilities

• Represent TRD as a member of research stage core project teams, contributing to overall project strategy and success.
• Screen and develop phase-appropriate formulations to enable robust in vivo and clinical assessment of new compounds; author protocols for internal and external labs.
• Assess new compounds for risks related to delivery, aggregation, stability, and developability, and proactively communicate key issues to influence compound selection.
• Provide strategic guidance to cross-functional teams on the selection and optimization of conjugation and delivery technologies, ensuring alignment with project and organizational objectives.
• Basic drug substance characterization by techniques such as XRPD, DSC and TGA, DVS, PLM and UPLC.
• Assessment of the chemical and physical properties, such as solubility, particle size, viscosity, and chemical stability.
• Foster strong team spirit and knowledge exchange within and between teams and manage project-related interactions across departments and with external partners.

Benefits

• health, life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
• performance-based cash incentive
• eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior