Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation
Company websitenovartis.com (Novartis, opens in new tab)
Base salary $108,500 to $201,500
Employer-published annual base salary, USD. Advertised base range in United States
You apply on the employer's own site. Six Figure Work does not handle applications.
- LocationUnited States
- WorkplaceWorkplace not stated
- Status at last checkSource accepting applications when checked
- Last checked (1 h ago) · observed since
About this job
Job Description Summary
#LI-OnsiteLocation: Cambridge, USA
Relocation Support: Yes
Imagine advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics that have the potential to transform patients’ lives around the world. As a Principal Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation, you will play a critical role in building and advancing Novartis’ xRNA therapeutic platform, bringing scientific creativity, technical expertise, and innovation to the forefront of drug discovery. Working alongside a collaborative team of world-class scientists, you will lead the development of novel oligonucleotide chemistries, drive therapeutic innovation, and help shape the future of RNA medicines in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful scientific impact while mentoring others and contributing to breakthrough therapies that could redefine what is possible for patients.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Lead synthesis, purification, characterization, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
Design and optimize novel oligonucleotide chemistries through structure-activity relationship studies.
Develop and implement robust synthetic routes for preclinical RNA therapeutic candidates.
Drive cross-functional collaboration to advance oligonucleotide therapeutic programs from discovery through preclinical stages.
Mentor scientists and enhance laboratory workflows to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation.
Establish and maintain standard operating procedures supporting reproducible oligonucleotide manufacturing processes.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain critical analytical and synthesis instrumentation, including high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.
Essential Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
At least five years of experience synthesizing therapeutic oligonucleotides in an industry or research setting.
Deep expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and characterization.
Proven experience developing and optimizing novel oligonucleotide chemistries and conjugates.
Strong knowledge of phosphoramidite chemistry and modern synthetic chemistry techniques.
Hands-on experience operating automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and analytical instrumentation.
Demonstrated understanding of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering ribonucleic acid and antisense oligonucleotides.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. If you are passionate about scientific innovation, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of RNA therapeutics, we encourage you to apply and make a lasting impact on patients worldwide.
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: 108,500.00 - 201,500.00 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.
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Salary Range
$108,500.00 - $201,500.00Skills Desired
Algorithms, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Biology, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Creativity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Employee Development, Innovation, Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Mentorship, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Physics, Project Team Management, Results-Oriented, ScienceSource: Novartis on Workday · View original posting (opens in new tab)
Pay in context
This role's base floor ($108,500) is above 5% of the 310 Science & Research roles in Massachusetts listed on this site; 1 other lists the same floor. Their median floor is $159,500; the middle half runs from $129,730 to $190,600.
Only jobs on this site count, and each one publishes a base salary of $100,000 or more, so this compares six-figure jobs with each other, not with the whole market. Computed Nov 8, 2026.
This listingPrincipal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation$108,500 to $201,500
GRC Compliance Senior Analyst$108,500 to $201,500
Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation$108,500 to $201,500
Senior Clinical Research Associate$108,500 to $201,500
Senior Engineer, Automation - Packaging/Serialization$108,500 to $201,500
Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media$108,500 to $201,500
Project Manager, Engineering - Capital Projects$108,500 to $201,500
Chart as a table
| Role | Published base |
|---|---|
| Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation (this listing) | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| GRC Compliance Senior Analyst | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| Senior Clinical Research Associate | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| Senior Engineer, Automation - Packaging/Serialization | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| Sr. Automation Engineer - Upstream/Media | $108,500 - $201,500 |
| Project Manager, Engineering - Capital Projects | $108,500 - $201,500 |
Observed changes
- First observed on the employer's board
- Absent from the employer's board; confirmation pending
- absence cleared
- Began meeting the published-salary criteria
- Observed since
- Employer-stated posting date
- 2026-08-28
Where this pay comes from
Location as the employer wrote it: Cambridge (USA)
$108,500.00 - $201,500.00
- Method
- Employer text, read with fixed rules and re-verified
- Checked
- Rule set
- us-base-v2
The pay passage appears in the employer's own job text. Fixed, deterministic rules located it, and the passage below was checked against the stored copy of the posting.
What we verified
- The pay figures come from the employer's own listing, quoted exactly above.
- The pay is an annual base salary in US dollars with a minimum of at least $100,000.
- The role was publicly listed on the employer's job board when last checked.
We do not verify what the employer will actually offer, whether the employer is still recruiting for the role, or anything beyond what the employer published. Full methodology.