Oligonucleotide Design Lead; f​/m​/d

If you’re passionate about changing lives for the better, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In Research & Development, we’re continuously exploring innovative new treatment options to make a stronger, more positive impact on the lives of the patients we serve. You’ll work with talented colleagues in a state-of-the-art Research & Development environment, developing innovative medicines that change the life of patients for the better and help us make progress towards our vision of a world free of pain.

Join us today, and discover the difference you can make.

Every day you will enjoy different challenges such as:

• Lead the design and computational optimisation of RNA therapeutics, particularly siRNA, integrating RNA biology with oligonucleotide chemistry to enable gene knockdown and RNA regulatory approaches, including up-regulation strategies.
• Define and prioritise target sites and design strategies by integrating sequence features, RNA accessibility, transcript structure, cross-species alignment, and emerging experimental data.
• Drive iterative design–test–learn cycles by analysing and rapidly integrating datasets linking sequence, chemistry, and biological activity to inform decision-making.
• Develop and apply computational tools and workflows (e.g. Python or R) to enable scalable oligonucleotide design, data integration, and rapid sequence–chemistry iteration.
• Partner closely with oligonucleotide chemists and delivery scientists to co‑optimise sequence, chemical modifications, and delivery approaches to maximise potency, durability, and tissue activity.
• Lead and contribute to discovery programs advancing RNA therapeutic candidates toward candidate profiling and clinical development, while helping prioritise and evaluate new targets aligned with platform capabilities.

• PhD in RNA biology, molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• More than 10 years of relevant industry experience, including at least 5 years in therapeutic antisense or siRNA design and optimisation.
• Strong computational skills, including experience developing scripts or workflows (e.g. Python or R).
• Experience designing siRNA across CNS and systemic delivery contexts, including optimisation of sequence and chemistry for robust in vivo activity.
• Proven track record contributing to or leading programs that progressed molecules to candidate stage, with demonstrated involvement in programmes advancing toward clinical development.
• Strong understanding of oligonucleotide optimisation and risk assessment across discovery and development stages, from early design through to late‑stage candidate selection.
• Experience delivering siRNA therapeutics in liver and CNS indications is highly desirable, ideally including progression of molecules toward clinical development.
• Strong scientific problem‑solving mindset with a focus on delivering impact.
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed, cross‑functional environment with a high degree of independence, ownership, and accountability.