Scientist I - Oligonucleotide Synthesis

About The Department

Dicerna, a Novo Nordisk company, is focused on driving innovation in RNAi (ribonucleic acid interference) to selectively target and silence genes that cause or contribute to disease. Our proprietary GalXC™ and GalXC-Plus™ RNAi technologies have the potential to address conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat with other modalities. Established as a Transformational Research Unit (TRU) following Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in December 2021, the Dicerna TRU is a unique new organization within Novo Nordisk that brings together the best of both worlds – the agility, collaborative pioneering spirit and calculated risk-taking profile of a biotech along with the scale, resources and capabilities of a global leader in drug development. With approximately 200 researchers, scientists, drug developers and operational staff, we are a team of inventive and entrepreneurial thinkers pushing the boundaries of science to create and drive new RNAi-based therapies for both rare and more prevalent diseases from the bench to the clinic. Together, we are driving change. Are you ready to make a difference?

The Position

Dicerna, a Novo Nordisk Company is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with a strong background in Oligonucleotide Synthesis to join the Chemistry Team. The Scientist will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel oligonucleotides, oligonucleotide conjugates, nucleoside analogues, and small molecule and peptide ligands. This position will contribute to the development of novel nucleic acid drug discovery platforms and support therapeutic programs in multiple disease areas.

Relationships

The Scientist will closely work with external collaborators and CROs where applicable. Reports to the Director in Chemistry.

Essential Functions

• Analytical characterization of the synthesized oligonucleotides for purity determination and impurity profiling
• Actively participate in the creation of Dicerna intellectual property
• Where applicable, oversee the research efforts of external and/or internal chemists by leading from the bench
• Present research results in department and cross-function meetings
• Design, plan, and execute multi-step organic synthesis of novel target compounds
• Synthesis of oligonucleotides, deprotection, purification, annealing and lyophilization of oligonucleotides to support all disease programs
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instruments such as oligonucleotide synthesizers, purification systems, HPLC and LC-MS
• Support new chemistry discovery for the development of novel oligonucleotide conjugate platforms
• Operate and maintain analytical and chromatography instruments including HPLC and LCMS for the purification and characterization of complex molecules
• Collaborate with Chemistry and Biology colleagues in scientific publications and presentations
• Review research publications and intellectual property literature and propose novel target molecules to support nucleic acid drug discovery

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required. Ability to lift 0-10 lbs.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated with a proactive mindset
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry with 3+ years of relevant experience in Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery highly preferred
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience of state-of-the-art analytical and purification techniques e.g., RP-UPLC, SAX-HPLC, LC-MS and data interpretation as well as desalting techniques
• Ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary and fast-paced research environment with tight deadlines
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with ÄKTA 100 Oligopilot, Dr. Oligo, Mermaid, or similar instruments
• Detail-oriented in both data analysis and project planning
• Strong knowledge of nucleic acids chemistry, oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection and purification techniques
• CRO management experience
• Experience in bio-conjugation chemistry
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)
• Extensive experience in oligonucleotide synthesis
• Experience in modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery

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.

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