Job Description Summary
Location: Basel, Switzerland #onsite
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Plan and execute medium- and large-scale solid-phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
Oversee a state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesis facility, including efficient management of capital and consumables budgets.
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.
Ensure timely delivery of high-quality siRNA materials for in vitro screening and in vivo studies within drug candidate pipelines.
Collaborate with discovery xRNA oligonucleotide synthesis teams in Basel and Cambridge.
Provide technical leadership to the scale-up team, optimizing methodologies and processes for enhanced oligonucleotide synthesis efficiency.
Partner with synthetic chemists and project teams to scale up new siRNA chemistries that address key scientific challenges and enable seamless progression into development.
Document and clearly communicate scientific findings and insights to internal and external stakeholders through patent applications and scientific publications.
Mentor, train, and support team members by sharing technical expertise and hands-on experience.
Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.
Minimum Requirements - What you will bring to the role:
Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on oligonucleotide synthesis, plus 2–3 years of industry experience.
Proven track record in mid/large‑scale oligonucleotide solid‑phase synthesis using automated synthesizers, and downstream processing including expertise in process development.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience developing scientific teams.
Ability to promote and implement innovative ideas within a global team environment.
Strong independent problem-solving skills.
Highly collaborative mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining focus on key objectives.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Accessibility and accommodation:
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@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Skills Desired