Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Oligo Chemistry

Korsana Biosciences

Scientist/Sr. Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry leading oligonucleotide discovery programs.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $115,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in oligonucleotide therapeutic development, including the design and optimization of chemically modified oligonucleotides and the application of analytical methods for characterization. Proficient in managing external collaborations and synthesizing novel oligonucleotide building blocks to enhance therapeutic performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Organic ChemistryTherapeutic Oligonucleotide ChemistryOligonucleotide Synthesis PlatformsAnalytical Techniques: LC-MS, RP-HPLCMedicinal Chemistry SAR Campaigns

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Organic SynthesisNucleoside ChemistryOligonucleotide Modification PatternsPhosphoramidites SynthesisOligonucleotide Libraries DesignSynthetic Route DevelopmentLead OptimizationCharacterization TechniquesExperimental DesignData Review

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationProject ManagementProblem-SolvingTechnical Oversight

Tools & Technologies

Automated Solid-Phase SynthesisPreparative HPLCIon Exchange ChromatographyCapillary ElectrophoresisMALDI-TOF

Industry Keywords

Oligonucleotide TherapeuticsSiRNAAntisense OligonucleotidesPMOsDelivery TechnologiesPharmacokineticsBiodistributionImmunostimulationToxicityCRO Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and optimize chemically modified oligonucleotides, including siRNAs, ASOs, PMOs, and other emerging modalities.
Develop novel nucleoside analogs, phosphoramidites, backbone chemistries, and oligonucleotide architectures to improve potency, stability, durability, and tissue delivery.
Generate and interpret structure-activity relationships (SAR) to guide lead optimization across oligonucleotide chemistries and modification patterns.
Design oligonucleotide libraries in collaboration with bioinformatics and biology teams to support cellular and in vivo screening campaigns.
Develop synthetic routes for novel oligonucleotide building blocks using modern organic and nucleoside chemistry approaches.
Oversee the synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of oligonucleotides and intermediates, leveraging both internal capabilities and external CRO partners.
Manage external CROs, including experimental design, prioritization, technical oversight, data review, timeline management, and troubleshooting to ensure high-quality and timely project execution.
Develop and apply analytical methods, including RP-HPLC, IEX, LC-MS, CE, and SEC, to characterize oligonucleotides and support process development.
Partner closely with biology, pharmacology, toxicology, and translational sciences teams to understand how chemical modifications impact biological activity and therapeutic performance.
Contribute to next-generation oligonucleotide platform technologies, including novel chemistries, delivery strategies, and manufacturability improvements.
Evaluate emerging technologies and scientific literature to identify innovative approaches that enhance potency, extrahepatic delivery, durability, and safety.
Maintain thorough technical documentation and effectively communicate experimental strategies, results, and recommendations to cross-functional teams.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline with 0-6 years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with 2-8 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutic development.
Extensive hands-on experience in organic synthesis and nucleoside chemistry, including the synthesis and characterization of phosphoramidites or related oligonucleotide building blocks.
Demonstrated expertise in therapeutic oligonucleotide chemistry, including siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, splice-switching oligonucleotides, PMOs, or related modalities.
Possess a deep understanding of contemporary oligonucleotide modification patterns, including 2'-O-methyl, 2'-fluoro, LNA, cEt, constrained analogs, phosphorothioate stereochemistry, phosphodiester incorporation, glycol nucleic acids, morpholino chemistry, and other emerging chemistries and how individual modifications influence potency, nuclease resistance, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, immunostimulation, and toxicity.
Direct experience with oligonucleotide synthesis platforms and purification workflows, including automated solid-phase synthesis and preparative HPLC.
Strong analytical expertise with LC-MS, RP-HPLC, ion exchange chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF, and related characterization techniques.
Experience designing and interpreting medicinal chemistry SAR campaigns for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Familiarity with oligonucleotide delivery technologies, including GalNAc conjugates, lipid conjugates, peptide conjugates, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, nanoparticles, or other targeted delivery systems is desirable.
Experience supporting lead optimization and candidate selection within a drug discovery environment is preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Target annual bonus
Equity-based compensation
Participation in the company’s benefit programs