Postdoctoral Scientist Chemistry Innovations for Oligonucleotide Delivery (m/f/d)

​Graduate  |  Temporary  |  Full-time  |  On-Site​

If you’re passionate about changing lives for the better, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In Research & Development, we’re continuously exploring innovative new treatment options to make a stronger, more positive impact on the lives of the patients we serve. You’ll work with talented colleagues in a state-of-the-art Research & Development environment, developing innovative medicines that change the life of patients for the better and help us make progress towards our vision of a world free of pain. Join us today, and discover the difference you can make.

For our 24 month Postdoc Programme, we are looking for top performers, lateral thinkers, visionaries, team players & creative heads! You will build up your knowledge and personal network while working on impactful projects. We offer you one-on-one-coaching’s by experienced leaders and trainings to support you in your personal and professional growth.

What the job looks like
Each day you'll enjoy a variety of challenges, such as:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist – Chemistry Innovations specialist to design and synthesize novel oligonucleotide conjugates that enhance delivery to sensory neurons. This role will work closely with a delivery mechanism-focused postdoc to form a center of excellence in oligonucleotide delivery within the Discovery Biology and Genetic Medicine groups. Using Grünenthal’s new internal synthesis capabilities, you will explore siRNA and ASO modifications, focusing on innovative backbones, linkers, and conjugates to improve delivery efficacy. This role will also leverage external partnerships in small molecule, peptide and antibody synthesis to refine and expand delivery capabilities.

• Innovative Chemistry for Enhanced Delivery: Design and synthesize modified siRNA/ASO backbones with custom-tailored phosphoramidite monomers and specialized linkers/conjugates to optimize delivery and cellular uptake, using Grünenthal’s internal synthesis resources.
• Collaboration with Delivery Mechanisms Specialist: Work closely with the delivery-focused postdoctoral scientist to incorporate chemistry innovations into in vitro models, iteratively testing efficacy and refining delivery strategies.
• Advanced Conjugate Design: Develop and optimize conjugates for receptor-mediated, lipid-based, and peptide-based delivery, improving targeting and intracellular trafficking for sensory neurons.
• Translational Chemistry Applications: Leverage small molecule expertise to fine-tune oligonucleotide properties and collaborate with external partners in peptide and antibody synthesis to expand and diversify oligonucleotide delivery options.
• Data Interpretation and Scientific Reporting: Analyze and interpret results with state-of-the-art software in collaboration with biology-focused teams, present findings, publish in scientific journals, and actively contribute to the Genetic Medicine group’s initiatives.
• You will actively work on your development, which is supported by a (Senior) Leader Mentor including ambition talks, coaching sessions, & performing reviews
• You will participate in global trainings for all graduates as well as customized ones per individual Postdoc Programme
• Additionally, you will be part of our Global Graduate Network

 What you'll bring to the table
 To make the most of this role and truly thrive, you should have:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field, with hands-on experience in phosphoramidite and oligonucleotide synthesis
• Expertise in linker and conjugate design at both terminal and internal positions of the oligo
• Expertise in Bioconjugation Chemistry: Experience with designing and optimizing conjugates for enhanced siRNA/ASO delivery (e.g., via click chemistry and related methods), with proficiency in advanced analytical methods such as HPLC and Mass spectrometry
• Collaborative and Innovative Mindset: Ability to work closely with biological scientists to bridge chemistry innovations with delivery model requirements, fostering an iterative and collaborative approach to solution development.
• As a person you are proactive, open-minded and positive to the ideas of others and have a strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning novel techniques. You are a self-motivated team-player with strong communication skills.
• You have fluent business English language skills in speaking and writing
• Programming skills in python (or related field) to analyze oligo specific sequence data is a plus but not a must
• Broad international &/or intercultural working experiences is a benefit.

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COME ON BOARD & LOOK FORWARD TO:

• Attractive compensation and extensive social benefits
• 30 vacation days + bridging days
• Wide range of company benefits e.g. health initiatives & sports activities
• Top modern international working environment