Job ID
REQ-10071560
Date
February 11, 2026
Location
Basel, Switzerland - Onsite
Summary
Novartis xRNA Therapeutics is seeking a passionate and experienced PhD-level scientist to lead mid/large scale oligonucleotide synthesis and manage a team in Basel, supporting our xRNA Therapeutics development. This role necessitates extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment, bridging research and development to facilitate the discovery and advancement of innovative siRNA therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.
About the Role
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, managing capital and consumables budgets efficiently.
- 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 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 providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or would like more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com, including the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science; it takes a community of smart, passionate individuals. At Novartis, we collaborate, support, and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs that can change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more about our culture and strategies here.
Benefits and Rewards
Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally. Read our handbook here.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Principal Scientist - Mid/Large Scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis, xRNA Therapeutics
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