Project Lead, Preclinical Development of Therapeutic siRNA
Novartis
July 02, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Role Purpose
Strategic scientific leader to drive preclinical development of therapeutic siRNA (including antibody oligonucleotide conjugates) within Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling (CPP). Lead candidate assessment and formulation strategy from discovery through early clinical development.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent TRD on research-stage core project teams; contribute to project strategy.
- Screen/develop phase-appropriate formulations for in vivo and clinical assessment; author internal/external lab protocols.
- Assess risks (delivery, aggregation, stability, developability) and influence compound selection.
- Provide strategic guidance on conjugation and delivery technology selection/optimization.
- Perform basic drug substance characterization (e.g., XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, PLM, UPLC) and assess properties (solubility, particle size, viscosity, chemical stability).
- Manage cross-department/external partner interactions; integrate cross-functional insights; communicate clearly to management.
What You Will Bring To The Role
- Advanced degree (pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related) + 5+ years in pharmaceutical/biologics development.
- Hands-on analytical methods for oligonucleotide characterization, including formulation/analytics/developability assessment.
- Deep expertise in conjugates: conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery, formulation, and preclinical development.
- Strategic mindset; ability to manage multiple priorities; strong written/verbal technical communication.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience advancing siRNA toward clinical development.
- Biologics experience in conjugation chemistry/delivery strategy; solid-state properties knowledge.
- Biopharmaceutics expertise (PK/PD a plus); ability to influence oligo construct design.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Salary range: $108,500–$201,500/year.
- Performance-based cash incentive; possible annual equity awards.
- Comprehensive benefits package (health/life/disability, 401(k) with match) and time off.
Strategic scientific leader to drive preclinical development of therapeutic siRNA (including antibody oligonucleotide conjugates) within Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling (CPP). Lead candidate assessment and formulation strategy from discovery through early clinical development.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent TRD on research-stage core project teams; contribute to project strategy.
- Screen/develop phase-appropriate formulations for in vivo and clinical assessment; author internal/external lab protocols.
- Assess risks (delivery, aggregation, stability, developability) and influence compound selection.
- Provide strategic guidance on conjugation and delivery technology selection/optimization.
- Perform basic drug substance characterization (e.g., XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, PLM, UPLC) and assess properties (solubility, particle size, viscosity, chemical stability).
- Manage cross-department/external partner interactions; integrate cross-functional insights; communicate clearly to management.
What You Will Bring To The Role
- Advanced degree (pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related) + 5+ years in pharmaceutical/biologics development.
- Hands-on analytical methods for oligonucleotide characterization, including formulation/analytics/developability assessment.
- Deep expertise in conjugates: conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery, formulation, and preclinical development.
- Strategic mindset; ability to manage multiple priorities; strong written/verbal technical communication.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience advancing siRNA toward clinical development.
- Biologics experience in conjugation chemistry/delivery strategy; solid-state properties knowledge.
- Biopharmaceutics expertise (PK/PD a plus); ability to influence oligo construct design.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Salary range: $108,500–$201,500/year.
- Performance-based cash incentive; possible annual equity awards.
- Comprehensive benefits package (health/life/disability, 401(k) with match) and time off.