Scientist - Lead Optimization in Oligonucleotides Therapeutics
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.
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’sPharmaceutical 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.
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.
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.
Our commitment
Roche commits to recognising talent and aptitude. We prioritise encouraging and supporting our employees on their personal journeys by providing a safe, creative space to help them reflect, make decisions and grow in their career.
We are confident that we find the most innovative solutions by gaining different perspectives, asking and answering hard questions, and challenging the status quo. Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious yet enthusiastic way; we are devoted to building a team that represents a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.
Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more.
Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.
We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.
Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
