Senior Scientist, Discovery Chemistry

Role Overview

The RNA Research group at Sarepta Therapeutics is seeking a talented, motivated, and experienced scientist to join the discovery chemistry team located in Bedford, MA. The successful candidate will work on our PMO & siRNA oligonucleotide platform and discovery research on improved delivery of oligonucleotides, managing collaborations and CROs as needed. This position will work closely with Discovery Biology, Translational Sciences, Research Operations, Business Development, and Legal teams to implement new drug discovery programs and advance the next generation of RNA therapeutics.

• Design and conduct novel oligonucleotide conjugates synthesis, purification, and characterization.
• Apply state‑of‑the‑art delivery methods to achieve in‑vivo proof of concept.
• Develop efficient and scalable synthetic methods and routes.
• Develop and utilize innovative synthetic, medicinal chemistry and/or chemical biology problem‑solving skills, coupled with analysis of diverse data sets to build structure‑activity relationships.
• Act as a key member of a multidisciplinary RNA research team, assisting with project strategy and analysis and communication of complex data.
• Serve as an in‑house oligonucleotide and delivery chemistry expert.
• Drive the writing of technical reports to support patent applications and manuscript preparations.
• Coordinate and manage collaborations and CRO operations to ensure deliverables meet project needs.
• Organize work streams and complete individual and team objectives to maintain project timelines.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.

• PhD in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields with 5+ years of relevant post‑doctoral or industry experience.
• Strong experience in organic chemistry and multi‑step organic synthesis; hands‑on experience with manual and automated systems for solid‑phase synthesis of peptides and nucleic acids.
• Previous experience in design, chemical optimization, and formulation/delivery of peptides and/or oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly desirable.
• Experience with analytical techniques/instrumentation such as Reverse Phase HPLC/UPLC, MALDI‑TOF and LC‑MS.
• Hands‑on experience in computational chemistry, including CADD, structure‑based design, ligand‑based modeling, or other predictive computational frameworks.
• Track record of executing multiple concurrent research projects within a cross‑functional team environment.
• Solid written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm, integrity, self‑motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.

Targeted salary range: $112,000 – $140,000 per year.

This position requires on‑site work at one of Sarepta’s facilities in the United States.

Competitive compensation and benefit package. The role offers opportunities for career growth and impact in precision genetic medicine.

Sarepta Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and participates in e‑Verify.