Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide

Job Description:

Company Overview

Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase™ editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Oligonucleotide Scientist to join our non-viral delivery (NVD) technical development team. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in the design, synthesis, purification and analysis of modified oligonucleotides. You will drive the innovation in chemical modifications, scale-up process development and optimizations to support our advancing pipelines from early-stage research and discovery through clinical development.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in solid-phase synthesis, state of the art purification techniques, and analytical characterization, combined with a proven track record of mentoring junior scientists, leading cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Synthesis & Modification: Lead the design and execution of automated solid-phase synthesis of complex, highly modified oligonucleotides at various scales.
• Purification & Downstream Processing: Develop and optimize robust purification processes using preparative RP-HPLC, IEX and SEC, as well TFF and lyophilization.
• Analytical Characterization: Oversee and perform comprehensive structural elucidation and purity assessments using LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, NMR, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Process Development & Scale-Up: Drive the optimization of synthetic routes and cleavage/deprotection methodologies to improve yields, reduce impurities, and ensure scalable, reproducible processes.
• Innovation & R&D: Evaluate and implement novel chemical modifications, conjugation strategies (e.g., GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and delivery technologies to enhance oligonucleotide stability and potency.
• Project Leadership: Serve as the oligochemistry lead on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Mentorship & Documentation: Supervise, mentor, and train junior chemists and laboratory technicians. Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, write SOPs, and contribute to regulatory filings.
• Lab Operations: Manage inventory of oligonucleotides testing articles as well as critical reagents and phosphoramidites for Oligo Synthesis and purification.
• Scientific Communications: Analyze, interpret, and organize data to prepare experimental reports and communicate the results of the projects at internal and external meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related discipline with 4.5-8+ years of experience and minimum of 2 years industrial biopharma/biotech experience OR non-PhD with 12-15  years of progressive, relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of phosphoramidite chemistry, protecting group strategies, and nucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'-OMe, 2'-F, phosphorothioates, locked nucleic acids).
• Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Cytiva ÄKTA Oligopilot, Mermade, etc.) and preparative purification systems.
• Strong background in troubleshooting and interpreting mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data for complex macromolecules.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines and cGMP manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead projects and foster a collaborative team environment.

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team
• Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
• Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

​Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.  

Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide: Base pay range of $145,000 to $155,000+ bonus, equity and benefits

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics’ reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

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