Job ID

REQ-10071560

Feb 11, 2026

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland #onsite

Role Purpose:
Novartis xRNA Therapeutics is seeking a passionate and experienced PhD-level scientist to lead mid/large scale oligonucleotides synthesis and manage a team in Basel to support our xRNA Therapeutics development. This role requires extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment, bridging research and development to enable the discovery and advancement of innovative siRNA therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute medium- and large-scale solid-phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Oversee a state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesis facility, including efficient management of capital and consumables budgets.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists specializing in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analysis, and downstream processing at the millimole scale to support our growing siRNA portfolio.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality siRNA materials for in vitro screening and in vivo studies within drug candidate pipelines.
• Collaborate with discovery xRNA oligonucleotide synthesis teams in Basel and Cambridge.
• Provide technical leadership to the scale-up team, optimizing methodologies and processes for enhanced oligonucleotide synthesis efficiency.
• Partner with synthetic chemists and project teams to scale up new siRNA chemistries that address key scientific challenges and enable seamless progression into development.
• Document and clearly communicate scientific findings and insights to internal and external stakeholders through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Mentor, train, and support team members by sharing technical expertise and hands-on experience.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.

Minimum Requirements - What you will bring to the role:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on oligonucleotide synthesis, plus 2-3 years of industry experience.
• Proven track record in mid/large-scale oligonucleotide solid-phase synthesis using automated synthesizers, and downstream processing including expertise in process development.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience developing scientific teams.
• Ability to promote and implement innovative ideas within a global team environment.
• Strong independent problem-solving skills.
• Highly collaborative mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining focus on key objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients- lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we-ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Research

Location

Switzerland

Site

Basel (City)

Company / Legal Entity

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

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Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Research & Development Biomedical Research Switzerland

Job ID

REQ-10071560

Principal Scientist - Mid/Large Scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis, xRNA Therapeutics

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