Scientist I - Oligonucleotide Synthesis

About the Department

Our Boston Research & Development hub, anchored in the greater Boston area, brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown and Cambridge reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our greater Boston R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

 

The Position

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join its oligonucleotide chemistry team in Lexington, Massachusetts. The candidate will be responsible for the synthesis and analysis of oligonucleotides. This position will support therapeutic programs in multiple disease areas and will contribute to the development of novel nucleic acid conjugate platforms. Prior experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization is desired.

 

Relationships

This position reports to the Associate Director, Chemistry.

 

Essential Functions

• Synthesis of oligonucleotides, deprotection, purification, annealing and lyophilization of oligonucleotides to support all disease programs
• Analytical characterization of the synthesized oligonucleotides for purity determination and impurity profiling
• Support new chemistry discovery for the development of novel oligonucleotide conjugate platforms
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instruments such as oligonucleotide synthesizers, purification systems, HPLC and LC-MS
• Conduct laboratory work in safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment for colleagues

 

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry with 0-2 years of industrial experience, or MS with at least 3 years of industrial experience, or BS with 5 Years             
• Strong knowledge of nucleic acids chemistry, oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection and purification techniques
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesizers preferred
• Experience with analytical techniques e.g., RP-UPLC, SAX-HPLC, LC-MS and data interpretation
• Ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines and time schedules
• Keep accurate record of the experiments and summarize the results in written reports
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team and possess an excellent work ethic
• Ability to be successful in a fast-paced, intense work environment

 

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

 

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

 

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

 

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.