Oligo Discovery Process Chemistry Principal Scientist

Business Introduction At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success.

We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

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Our approach to R&DPosition Summary The successful candidate will join GSK’s oligonucleotide synthesis lab as a process discovery chemist, bridging early discovery-stage chemistry with the process rigor needed to reliably deliver in vivo study material. This is a discovery lab that produces rodent- and NHP-scale API0 using an ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizer, the focus is on developing and troubleshooting solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) routes at milligram-to-gram scale, building out method development and chromatography/purification strategies, and ensuring those routes translate cleanly as programs move toward larger-scale synthesis.

Areas of focus include ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors, spanning routine and next-generation amidite chemistries, conjugates, and purification method development.

Responsibilities This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following:

Lead process discovery for oligonucleotide therapeutics, developing and troubleshooting SPOS routes from milligram to gram scale for ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and next-generation amidite chemistries.

Generate in vivo study material at rodent and NHP scale using an ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizer, ensuring synthesis and purification strategies translate cleanly from discovery into larger-scale production.

Develop and optimize chromatography and purification strategies (e.g., IEX, RP, AEX) that scale from milligram discovery quantities through gram-scale campaigns.

Perform hands-on method development, establish oligo synthesis and purification workflows, and draft SOPs that bridge discovery chemistry and process/scale-up needs.

Serve as the oligo synthesis and process discovery SME for the team, representing process chemistry in various cross-matrix meetings.

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high-quality, reproducible in vivo-grade material.

Partner with the oligo analytical and conjugate chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide and conjugate synthesis.

Collaborate and communicate across discovery, process, and analytical teams to build robust, scalable workflows and deliver on portfolio endpoints.

Why You?

Basic Qualification We are seeking professionals with the following required skills and qualifications to help us achieve our goals:

PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field, with 2–4+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide process chemistry, process discovery, or related synthesis/process roles.

Hands-on experience with solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) at milligram-to-gram scale, including method development, chromatography, and purification strategies that support larger-scale synthesis.

General familiarity with mid-scale synthesizers, such as ÄKTA Oligosynt and Mermade
12, ÄKTA Avant and Pure purification systems with Unicorn software, and LC/HRMS, UPLC, LC/MS analytics.

Expertise in oligonucleotide…