Project Lead - Preclinical siRNA Development

1w1 week ago

Novartis

Cambridge, US · Full-time · $108,500 – $201,500

About this role

Technical Research & Development seeks a strategic scientific leader to drive preclinical development of therapeutic siRNA and oligonucleotide conjugates. The role leads candidate assessment and formulation strategy from discovery through early clinical development within Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling.

Day-to-day work includes screening phase-appropriate formulations, authoring protocols, and assessing risks related to delivery, aggregation, stability, and developability. The position provides strategic guidance on conjugation and delivery technologies to cross-functional teams.

Representation on research-stage core project teams contributes to overall project strategy while fostering knowledge exchange across departments and external partners. Basic drug substance characterization supports compound evaluation using XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, PLM, and UPLC.

The role advances high-potential programs by identifying risks early and influencing compound selection decisions. Strong scientific judgment and hands-on formulation experience enable effective partnership between research and development teams.

Requirements

Advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biologics development.
Hands-on experience with analytical methods for oligonucleotide characterization, including formulation, analytics, and developability assessment.
Deep expertise in conjugates, including conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery strategies, formulation, and preclinical development.
Strategic mindset with a track record of advancing innovative solutions to delivery and developability challenges.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and review.

Responsibilities

Represent TRD as a member of research stage core project teams, contributing to overall project strategy and success.
Screen and develop phase-appropriate formulations to enable robust in vivo and clinical assessment of new compounds; author protocols for internal and external labs.
Assess new compounds for risks related to delivery, aggregation, stability, and developability, and proactively communicate key issues.
Provide strategic guidance to cross-functional teams on the selection and optimization of conjugation and delivery technologies.
Perform basic drug substance characterization by techniques such as XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, PLM and UPLC.
Assess chemical and physical properties including solubility, particle size, viscosity, and chemical stability.