Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide
CRISPR Therapeutics
August 07, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
Senior Oligonucleotide Scientist on the non-viral delivery (NVD) technical development team; serve as a technical lead in the design, synthesis, purification, and analysis of modified oligonucleotides. Drive innovation in chemical modifications, scale-up process development, and optimizations from early research through clinical development.
Responsibilities
- Lead automated solid-phase synthesis of complex, highly modified oligonucleotides at various scales.
- Develop/optimize purification processes using preparative RP-HPLC, IEX, SEC, plus TFF and lyophilization.
- Oversee and perform structural elucidation and purity assessments using LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, NMR, and capillary electrophoresis.
- Optimize synthetic routes and cleavage/deprotection to improve yields, reduce impurities, and ensure scalable, reproducible processes.
- Evaluate/implement novel chemical modifications, conjugation strategies (e.g., GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and delivery technologies.
- Serve as oligochemistry lead on multidisciplinary project teams.
- Supervise/mentor/train junior chemists and lab technicians; maintain lab notebooks, write SOPs, contribute to regulatory filings.
- Manage inventory of testing articles and critical reagents/phosphoramidites.
- Analyze/organize data; prepare reports and present results internally/externally.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or related field with 4.5–8+ years (incl. 2+ years industry biopharma/biotech) OR non-PhD with 12–15 years relevant experience.
- Expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry, protecting groups, and nucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'-OMe, 2'-F, phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acids).
- Hands-on automated oligonucleotide synthesis (e.g., Cytiva ÄKTA Oligopilot, Mermade) and preparative purification systems.
- Strong LC-MS troubleshooting/interpretation for complex macromolecules.
- ICH and cGMP manufacturing familiarity (highly desirable).
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong problem-solving; thrives in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
- Excellent written/verbal communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead projects and foster collaboration.
Compensation/Benefits
- Base pay range: $145,000 to $155,000+ bonus, equity and benefits.
Application Instructions
- Not provided.
Senior Oligonucleotide Scientist on the non-viral delivery (NVD) technical development team; serve as a technical lead in the design, synthesis, purification, and analysis of modified oligonucleotides. Drive innovation in chemical modifications, scale-up process development, and optimizations from early research through clinical development.
Responsibilities
- Lead automated solid-phase synthesis of complex, highly modified oligonucleotides at various scales.
- Develop/optimize purification processes using preparative RP-HPLC, IEX, SEC, plus TFF and lyophilization.
- Oversee and perform structural elucidation and purity assessments using LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, NMR, and capillary electrophoresis.
- Optimize synthetic routes and cleavage/deprotection to improve yields, reduce impurities, and ensure scalable, reproducible processes.
- Evaluate/implement novel chemical modifications, conjugation strategies (e.g., GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and delivery technologies.
- Serve as oligochemistry lead on multidisciplinary project teams.
- Supervise/mentor/train junior chemists and lab technicians; maintain lab notebooks, write SOPs, contribute to regulatory filings.
- Manage inventory of testing articles and critical reagents/phosphoramidites.
- Analyze/organize data; prepare reports and present results internally/externally.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or related field with 4.5–8+ years (incl. 2+ years industry biopharma/biotech) OR non-PhD with 12–15 years relevant experience.
- Expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry, protecting groups, and nucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'-OMe, 2'-F, phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acids).
- Hands-on automated oligonucleotide synthesis (e.g., Cytiva ÄKTA Oligopilot, Mermade) and preparative purification systems.
- Strong LC-MS troubleshooting/interpretation for complex macromolecules.
- ICH and cGMP manufacturing familiarity (highly desirable).
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong problem-solving; thrives in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
- Excellent written/verbal communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead projects and foster collaboration.
Compensation/Benefits
- Base pay range: $145,000 to $155,000+ bonus, equity and benefits.
Application Instructions
- Not provided.