Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Novartis is hiring a Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry. It pays $67k-$124k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Novartis.
Level's read on this job
- Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this research scientist role: aI is not part of the work.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography and oligonucleotide synthesis.
- Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
- Level lists 864 other open roles at Novartis.
AI in this role
Execute solid-phase synthesis and characterization of therapeutic oligonucleotides to support RNA-based medicine research.
Job Description Summary
Job Title: Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry#LI-Onsite
Location: Cambridge, USA
Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
Imagine helping shape the future of RNA-based medicines through hands-on scientific innovation. At Novartis, we're pushing the boundaries of xRNA therapeutics to address some of the world's most challenging diseases, and we're looking for a talented scientist to join us on that journey. As a Research Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry, you'll play a key role in synthesizing, optimizing, and characterizing therapeutic oligonucleotides while collaborating with a diverse team of experts across discovery and development. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your scientific expertise, grow your technical skills, and contribute directly to groundbreaking therapies that have the potential to transform patients' lives.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Execute solid-phase synthesis of research-scale oligonucleotides using advanced automated DNA and RNA synthesizers.
- Purify, desalt, and characterize oligonucleotides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
- Develop and optimize synthesis, purification, and analytical methods to improve performance and reproducibility.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation supporting oligonucleotide production and analysis.
- Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures to support high-quality and consistent laboratory practices.
- Organize, analyze, and document experimental results using electronic laboratory notebook systems.
- Contribute effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced research environment focused on therapeutic innovation.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- One to three years of laboratory experience in academic or industrial research environments.
- Hands-on experience with automated solid-phase synthesizers and therapeutic oligonucleotide synthesis workflows.
- Proficiency in oligonucleotide purification, characterization, and analysis using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
- Understanding of RNA therapeutics and their application in biological systems.
- Strong collaboration, adaptability, and self-motivation in a fast-paced scientific environment.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience supporting oligonucleotide process development, optimization, or technology innovation initiatives.
- Excellent scientific communication skills with the ability to present findings to multidisciplinary teams.
Rewards
At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.
The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:
- US:66,800.00 - 124,000.00 USD Annual
The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.
Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.
Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf
Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph:
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.
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
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Salary Range
$66,800.00 - $124,000.00
Skills Desired
Algorithms, Analytical Chemistry, Automation, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Biology, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Collaboration, Creativity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Innovation, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Physics, Team PlayerHow we rate this
Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry at Novartis rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Also common in research scientist jobs at this level
Pay
- This job starts at
- $67k
- Typical research scientist job
- $190k
This posting starts 65% below the typical research scientist job. See research scientist jobs
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where oligonucleotide synthesis was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where rna therapeutics was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where chemistry was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where laboratory operations was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Mass Spectrometry in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Rna Therapeutics, Chemistry, Laboratory Operations, and Mass Spectrometry. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Get your CV reviewed before you apply
Send your CV and the role you want next. Your review arrives by email within 3 days.
Get new research scientist jobs by email
One email a week, each job rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Free.
Similar roles
Research roles that involve little AI, at other companies.
What kind of AI work fits you?
Answer 12 practical questions in about three minutes. Get a simple profile, the work it points to, and live roles to explore next.
Find my next step