Job ID
REQ-10071560
Feb 11, 2026
Switzerland
Summary
Location: Basel, Switzerland #onsite
Role Purpose: 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. This role will support the development of innovative siRNA therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs, requiring extensive collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment that bridges research and development.
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, 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.
- 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 you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com, indicating the nature of your request and your contact information. Be sure to include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis
Helping people with disease and their families requires more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate individuals who collaborate, support, and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together with us? Learn more about our community here.
Benefits and Rewards
Discover the numerous ways we will help you thrive both personally and professionally in our comprehensive benefits handbook.
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type: Regular
Shift Work: No
Apply Online
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