Job Description:
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Oligonucleotide Scientist to join our non-viral delivery (NVD) technical development team. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in the design, synthesis, purification and analysis of modified oligonucleotides. You will drive the innovation in chemical modifications, scale-up process development and optimizations to support our advancing pipelines from early-stage research and discovery through clinical development.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in solid-phase synthesis, state of the art purification techniques, and analytical characterization, combined with a proven track record of mentoring junior scientists, leading cross-functional projects.
Responsibilities
- Synthesis & Modification: Lead the design and execution of automated solid-phase synthesis of complex, highly modified oligonucleotides at various scales.
- Purification & Downstream Processing: Develop and optimize robust purification processes using preparative RP-HPLC, IEX and SEC, as well TFF and lyophilization.
- Analytical Characterization: Oversee and perform comprehensive structural elucidation and purity assessments using LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, NMR, and capillary electrophoresis.
- Process Development & Scale-Up: Drive the optimization of synthetic routes and cleavage/deprotection methodologies to improve yields, reduce impurities, and ensure scalable, reproducible processes.
- Innovation & R&D: Evaluate and implement novel chemical modifications, conjugation strategies (e.g., GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and delivery technologies to enhance oligonucleotide stability and potency.
- Project Leadership: Serve as the oligochemistry lead on multidisciplinary project teams.
- Mentorship & Documentation: Supervise, mentor, and train junior chemists and laboratory technicians. Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, write SOPs, and contribute to regulatory filings.
- Lab Operations: Manage inventory of oligonucleotides testing articles as well as critical reagents and phosphoramidites for Oligo Synthesis and purification.
- Scientific Communications: Analyze, interpret, and organize data to prepare experimental reports and communicate the results of the projects at internal and external meetings.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related discipline with 4.5-8+ years of experience and minimum of 2 years industrial biopharma/biotech experience OR non-PhD with 12-15 years of progressive, relevant experience.
- Deep understanding of phosphoramidite chemistry, protecting group strategies, and nucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'-OMe, 2'-F, phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acids).
- Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Cytiva KTA Oligopilot, Mermade, etc.) and preparative purification systems.
- Strong background in troubleshooting and interpreting mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data for complex macromolecules.
- Familiarity with ICH guidelines and cGMP manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead projects and foster a collaborative team environment.
Competencies
- Collaborative Openness, One Team
- Undaunted Fearless, Can-do attitude
- Results Orientation Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit Proactive. Ownership mindset.
Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.
Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide: Base pay range of $145,000 to $155,000+ bonus, equity and benefits
The range provided is CRISPR Therapeuticsreasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.
