Senior Scientist - Medium Scale Oligo Synthesis

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Billerica, MA

About The Position

EMD Serono in Billerica, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist – Medium Scale Oligo Synthesis to add to their Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Group (DDTech). Responsibilities: Develop scalable, robust synthetic procedures; evaluate reaction scope, optimization, and critical process parameters like purification and desalting. Support scale‑up efforts from milligram to multi‑gram quantities; contribute to tech transfer to internal pilot‑scale labs or external partners. Utilize expertise in MM12 and Akta OP100 synthesizers and HPLC purification of oligonucleotides by anion-exchange and reverse-phase methods. Perform analytical methods such as UPLC, LC-MS, NMR and quality standards in oligonucleotide drug development. Work as part of a team with an excellent work ethic. Present funding in team meetings. Maintain a well-documented laboratory notebook and follow the safe laboratory practices. Multi-task across several projects and manage time effectively to achieve results.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or other Science or Engineering discipline
5+ years of direct experience in oligonucleotide chemistry

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of oligonucleotide and precursor synthesis, modification, purification, and conjugation mechanisms
Strong knowledge of oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection and purification techniques
Knowledge and background in bioconjugation chemistry including dye, peptides and antibody-drug conjugates and related linkers
Expertise in chromatography purification techniques and troubleshooting
Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as NMR, HPLC, LC-MS, etc. with the ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly present data

Responsibilities

Develop scalable, robust synthetic procedures; evaluate reaction scope, optimization, and critical process parameters like purification and desalting.
Support scale‑up efforts from milligram to multi‑gram quantities; contribute to tech transfer to internal pilot‑scale labs or external partners.
Utilize expertise in MM12 and Akta OP100 synthesizers and HPLC purification of oligonucleotides by anion-exchange and reverse-phase methods.
Perform analytical methods such as UPLC, LC-MS, NMR and quality standards in oligonucleotide drug development.
Work as part of a team with an excellent work ethic. Present funding in team meetings.
Maintain a well-documented laboratory notebook and follow the safe laboratory practices.
Multi-task across several projects and manage time effectively to achieve results.