Oligonucleotide Conjugation Principal Scientist

Role Summary

The successful candidate will help to establish pre-clinical capabilities within GSK’s new oligo synthesis and conjugation lab. Areas of focus are conjugation of modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, oligo synthesis and chemistry, and conjugate purification strategies. Your expertise will enable us to solve complex delivery challenges, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Establish pre-clinical oligonucleotide conjugation capabilities of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with small molecule ligands, linkers, and other conjugates such as peptides, nanobodies, antibodies and other proteins.
• Perform hands-on work, establish conjugate synthesis workflows including designing, implementing and optimizing conjugation and purification strategies.
• Serve as the oligonucleotide conjugate SME for the team, representing oligo conjugates in various cross matrix meetings.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Work with the oligo analytical and oligo synthesis chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide conjugate synthesis.
• Train and/or build a small team to support conjugation capabilities.
• Collaborate and communicate across various teams to build robust workflows, or leverage internal resources to deliver on portfolio endpoints.

Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years or MS with 4+ or BS with 8+ years‚Äô experience in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical biology or related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience in designing, synthesizing and characterizing oligonucleotide conjugates using small molecules, linkers, peptides, antibodies, or other types of protein.
• Experience with protein-based purification techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse phase, size exclusion, ionic chromatography potentially using Cytiva √ÑKTA Avant and Pure purification systems and Unicorn software.
• Expertise in conjugation chemistries, site-specific modification, and biological familiarity of RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors).

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum MS with 4+ years or above (or PhD +2) in Oligonucleotide conjugation and/or Chemistry and/or related fields.
• Prior experience with team leadership, scientific and professional mentorship, and project management.
• Team-focused with strong initiative and ability to troubleshoot challenges and implement new solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team are required.
• Prior experience with oligonucleotide synthesis and nucleoside chemistry is desirable but not required.
• Sense of urgency, flexibility, independence and accountability.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels both inside and outsider of organization.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Must be a committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture.