Novartis Posted August 28, 2026

Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Cambridge (USA), United States FULL_TIME
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About this opportunity

Job Title: Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry#LI-OnsiteLocation: Cambridge, USARelocation 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.

Key ResponsibilitiesExecute 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 RequirementsBachelor 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 RequirementsExperience 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

Job details

Seniority
Not listed
Function
Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research
Therapeutic area
Not listed
Location
Cambridge (USA), United States
Employment type
FULL_TIME

How this role compares

Computed from every other active Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research role in our database, not just this employer's listings.

We currently track 1003 comparable Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research roles across 79 biopharma companies.

1003Comparable roles tracked
919Currently active
79Companies hiring similar roles
31Countries represented

Salary context

419 of 1003 peers report a salary range (USD, annualized)

Peers share this role's job function. This posting doesn't list a seniority level, so peers aren't narrowed by seniority either -- the range below may span more levels than usual.

This roleSubject $66,800/yr – $124,000/yr
Highest disclosed · Executive Director, Toxicology · Exelixis Inc $285,000/yr – $405,500/yr
Peer group range $0 – $345,250 (median $159,000)

Where these roles are based

Top locations among the 1003 comparable roles

United States676
Germany50
China44
Switzerland36
United Kingdom34
France25

+ 25 more countries

Seniority mix

721 of 1003 peers have a known seniority level

Senior227
Principal171
Intern/Fellow/Postdoc83
Associate74
Director61
Associate Director42
Senior Director26
Manager24
Executive/VP13

Therapeutic area mix

131 of 1003 peers have a known therapeutic area; the rest are genuinely unlabeled, not hidden

Immunology50
Oncology41
Neuroscience24
Cardiovascular / CVRM6
Vaccines & Infectious Disease3
Respiratory3
Dermatology & Aesthetics2
Gastroenterology1
Rare Disease1

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How we calculate "similar"

No black box, no LLM guesswork: a deterministic score built from four normalized attributes. Here's this role's own peer group at different match levels, so you can see the mechanism, not just the result.

Every comparison starts from the same 100-point budget: 25 for working in the same function, 40 for the same therapeutic area, 20 for the same or adjacent seniority, 15 for the same country. A dimension we can't confirm on both sides contributes nothing, never a guess, never a free pass.

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