TIS Scientist in Process Chemistry & Catalysis with focus on Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of Oligonucleotides (Temporary - one year)

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

As a Technology, Innovation & Science (TIS) Scientist focusing on developing chemo-enzymatic syntheses of oligonucleotides, you are part of Roche's Synthetic Molecules Technical Development (PTDC) organization. In your role, you will employ a fragment-based approach combining chemical and enzymatic methods for preparation of therapeutic oligonucleotides from the Roche pipeline. The enzymatic part of the project will focus on the application of DNA/RNA ligases for assembly of oligonucleotides.

Your Responsibilities:

• Evaluating panels of ligases for assembly of oligonucleotides from the Roche portfolio

• Optimization of process parameters for the above, thus generating Roche IP

• Optimization of downstream processing steps

• Synthesis of oligonucleotide fragments and building blocks using phosphoramidite chemistry

• For technical and scientific networking, you will collaborate with Roche colleagues from different functions and sites, e.g. Pharma Research & Early Development in Basel, Small Molecule Process Chemistry in San Francisco

• You will support global, cross-functional teams and present scientific results to stakeholders

Who you are:

We are seeking a candidate who possesses a Doctorate degree in the natural sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field, with the following qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in chemical synthesis of nucleosides, oligonucleotide building blocks and oligonucleotides employing automated solid-phase synthesizers

• Hands-on experience in analytical techniques such as LC/MS, NMR

• Experience in carrying out enzymatic reactions, including product isolation

• Experience in enzyme expression and immobilization is an advantage

In addition, you fulfill the following requirements:

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate closely with the business

• Strong coordination skills, self-driven, proactive, solution-oriented, efficient and reliable attitude

• Working style motivated by flexibility, pragmatism, responsibility and innovation

• Enjoy developing new methods in the lab and working with sophisticated instruments

• You are open and curious and enjoy applying modern technologies to further optimize existing ways of working

• Excellent command of written and spoken English, German is a plus

• The planned start date of this position is as soon as possible

To be considered, your application needs to include:

• A cover letter, a CV (including a list of relevant publications) and the names and contacts of three references

The position is temporary for a period of one year.

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more.

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.