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 worlds 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 AKTA 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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