Scientist - Lead Optimization in Oligonucleotides Therapeutics

at  Roche

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love.
That’s what makes us Roche.
In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED), we make transformative medicines for patients in order to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs. At pRED, we are united by our mission to transform science into medicines. Together, we create a culture defined by curiosity, responsibility and humility, where our talented people are empowered and inspired to bring forward extraordinary life-changing innovation at speed.
This position is located in pRED Therapeutic Modalities, where we pave, in a diverse, ambitious and innovative environment, the path to bring drug candidates from early research into development.
The position holder will be member of the newly formed cross-functional RNAHub, where disease-biologists, nonclinical development experts, molecular biologists, molecule engineers, bioengineers and data scientists from various pRED functions join together to create and apply technologies that perturb RNA to discover drugs, biomarkers and targets.
The RNAHub takes a very data-centric approach, utilizing both artificial and human intelligence, that requires a high degree of data-literacy. In the RNAHub, we build a strong, collective and engaged community, where we employ, explore and evolve new ways of working in a research environment.
Job Mission
We are offering an outstanding opportunity for an Scientist - Lead Optimization in Oligonucleotides Therapeutics to join a multidisciplinary team working on a diverse portfolio of drug discovery projects.
As an Expert in Oligonucleotide Chemistry, you will be responsible for the discovery of innovative synthetic approaches to access complex oligonucleotides formats (including mixed modalities) to support several R&D projects. You will also interface and represent preclinical CMC, ensuring that the methodologies you develop can be scaled in a safe and robust manner.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop innovative synthetic routes to access complex oligonucleotides formats, including mixed modalities and different types of conjugates (fatty acids, peptides, etc.)
• Design and execute experiments to optimize the properties of lead oligonucleotide candidates, including potency, selectivity, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemistry, pharmacology, and preclinical development, to advance lead optimization programs and support preclinical development activities.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings in internal meetings and scientific conferences. Prepare technical reports and contribute to manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervision and coaching of junior staff members working in the oligonucleotide synthesis laboratory.

Your Profile
You thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment which gives you full accountability for your own contributions and development. You have a keen interest in continuously building a personal network. You are resourceful and flexible in problem solving and in working in a collaborative and inclusive manner.
Your academic or industrial experience in chemistry of oligonucleotides allows you to support project teams from the project idea to optimization of clinical candidate oligonucleotides.

In addition you bring:.

• Hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis via automated solid phase methodologies complemented by a Ph.D completed by 2 years of experience, or a Master degree in Chemistry completed by 5 years of professional experience.
• Experience in state of the art conjugation and purification technologies in the field of oligonucleotides.
• Knowledge of analytical methodologies routinely applied to oligonucleotide APIs (HPLC, LC-MS, UV spectroscopy, endotoxin measurement and control).

You have a sense for ensuring that everyone has the required information at all times. You have strong oral and written communication skills and are proficient in working with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.

• Develop innovative synthetic routes to access complex oligonucleotides formats, including mixed modalities and different types of conjugates (fatty acids, peptides, etc.)
• Design and execute experiments to optimize the properties of lead oligonucleotide candidates, including potency, selectivity, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemistry, pharmacology, and preclinical development, to advance lead optimization programs and support preclinical development activities.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings in internal meetings and scientific conferences. Prepare technical reports and contribute to manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervision and coaching of junior staff members working in the oligonucleotide synthesis laboratory