Principal Scientist - Mid/Large Scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis, xRNA Therapeutics

<p style="text-align:left"><b>Job Description Summary</b></p>Location: Basel, Switzerland #onsite<br><br>Role Purpose:<br>Novartis xRNA Therapeutics is seeking a passionate and experienced PhD-level scientist to lead mid/large scale oligonucleotides synthesis and manage a team in Basel to support our xRNA Therapeutics development. This role requires extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment, bridging research and development to enable the discovery and advancement of innovative siRNA therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.<p style="text-align:inherit"><br /> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Job Description</b></p><p><b>Key Responsibilities</b></p><ul><li><p>Plan and execute medium- and large-scale solid-phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.</p></li><li><p>Oversee a state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesis facility, including efficient management of capital and consumables budgets.</p></li><li><p>Lead and mentor a team of scientists specializing in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analysis, and downstream processing at the millimole scale to support our growing siRNA portfolio.</p></li><li><p>Ensure timely delivery of high-quality siRNA materials for in vitro screening and in vivo studies within drug candidate pipelines.</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with discovery xRNA oligonucleotide synthesis teams in Basel and Cambridge.</p></li><li><p>Provide technical leadership to the scale-up team, optimizing methodologies and processes for enhanced oligonucleotide synthesis efficiency.</p></li><li><p>Partner with synthetic chemists and project teams to scale up new siRNA chemistries that address key scientific challenges and enable seamless progression into development.</p></li><li><p>Document and clearly communicate scientific findings and insights to internal and external stakeholders through patent applications and scientific publications.</p></li><li><p>Mentor, train, and support team members by sharing technical expertise and hands-on experience.</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.</p></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Minimum Requirements - What you will bring to the role:</b></p><ul><li><p>Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on oligonucleotide synthesis, plus 2–3 years of industry experience.</p></li><li><p>Proven track record in mid/large‑scale oligonucleotide solid‑phase synthesis using automated synthesizers, and downstream processing including expertise in process development.</p></li><li><p>Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience developing scientific teams.</p></li><li><p>Ability to promote and implement innovative ideas within a global team environment.</p></li><li><p>Strong independent problem-solving skills.</p></li><li><p>Highly collaborative mindset.</p></li><li><p>Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining focus on key objectives.</p></li><li><p>Excellent verbal and written communication skills.</p></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Accessibility and accommodation:</b><br />Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland&#64;novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.</p><p style="text-align:inherit"><br /> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Skills Desired</b></p>