Postdoc Scientist in RNA Molecule Research Synthesis team - Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme

Job description

·  Job facts

We seek a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with solid organic synthesis skills as well as strong collaborative skills for a 2 year Postdoc position in our Synthesis and Optimisation Department in Copenhagen starting in January 2020.

Background

The Therapeutics Modality organization (TMo), is a community of over 750 scientists designing and developing Roche pharma Research and Early Development's (pRED) next generation therapeutics. We work in close collaboration with our Disease Therapeutic Area (DTA), Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharma Technical Development partners to bring innovative medicines to patients. The RNA Molecule Research (RMR) organization is part of the TMo family and comprises capabilities for the discovery, optimization, and small scale synthesis of nucleic acid based therapeutics.

Predominantly based at DTU campus north of Copenhagen, Denmark, the Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen (RICC), is a leader in the field of nucleic acid based therapeutics. At RICC we utilize and develop the potential of the emerging technology to meet medical needs for patients.

RICC is organized into three main Departments: RMR Discovery, RMR Synthesis and Optimisation and RMR Projects, Program and Strategy. In RMR, we work in a highly collaborative, open and engaging environment where we continuously strive to push the boundaries for innovation and development.

In Synthesis and Optimization, we synthesize innovative APIs and provide formulations to supply and enable all preclinical activities paving the way towards Clinical Candidate Selection. We are RMRs chemistry experts and together with our Discovery function partners, we work to generate scientific and technical knowledge to discover novel molecules with diverse modes of action for unmet medical needs across disease therapeutic areas. We build our strength on a broad diversity of hardworking technical experts and chemists delivering and innovating in the space of RNA-based therapeutics.

The department consists of scientists and associates collaborating to develop and optimize oligonucleotide based chemistries. We work with automated solid phase synthesis and automated downstream processes when possible. We have an explorative and open mindset to always optimize current chemistry technologies and processes as well as developing new technologies to develop promising oligonucleotide drug candidates.

This is a unique opportunity to join our team at the Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen.

Job Description

We seek an excellent chemist with a strong scientific and technical profile to develop new modified oligonucleotide chemistry. This project is a part of a shared effort across Roche working on conjugated oligonucleotide constructs for targeted delivery.

You will be part of the RMR Synthesis and optimisation team and you will mainly be working in the laboratory on developing new oligonucleotide chemistries using solid phase synthesis. The novel compounds you generate are a very important part of the shared efforts for targeted delivery of oligonucleotides as a cross functional effort with Roche Postdoc Scientists working in Munich and Basel. You will find yourself in a dynamic matrix structure with highly engaged and skilled colleagues, and a positive, international, and vibrant culture.

We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment where you will be given the opportunity to help realize the potential of RNA medicines for patients. Because we know that our employees are critical to our success, we are dedicated to remaining a great place to work and to providing employees with development opportunities, services and benefits that allow them to bring the best to the business and to their personal lives.

This position is within the Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship (RPF) Programme. For more information on the program, please visit our website.

Your profile

You have a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline.

It is an important requirement of the position that you have been actively engaged in scientific research continuously since your PhD (MD or MD PhD) and start the RPF no later than 5 years after your PhD.

In addition, you bring the following skills and competencies:

·  Strong interest in developing next generation drug molecules.
·  Experience with solid phase synthesis and/or nucleosides/nucleotides is an advantage
·  Excellent knowledge of organic synthesis both practically and theoretically
·  Independently design new successful multi-step synthetic routes for new monomers and other small molecules
·  Experience with purification techniques such as HPLC reverse phase, ion exchange and/or size exclusion is a benefit
·  Proven track record from previous work (i.e. examples in the peer reviewed literature) is a benefit
·  Experience of working with targeted delivery of drug candidates is a benefit
·  At least three years of hands-on laboratory experience required
·  Experience with independently generating new ideas and maturing them together with colleagues
·  Ability to navigate within a changing organization, maintaining objectivity, respect for differences of opinion, fairness, and ability to question and challenge.
·  Motivated by shared as well as individual goals
·  Innovative and positive mindset, with a motivation for problem solving and a thorough scientific focus
·  Personal drive, engagement, and a “can-do spirit”
·  Written and verbal fluency in English is required

Your application

Please submit your application by clicking on the application link and sending the documents no later than Nov 20th, 2019 . The application must include

·  Application (motivated cover letter) addressing where you stand in qualifications mentioned
·  CV including list of publications.

We will review the applications continuously and close the recruitment process once we have found the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions, you can contact Nanna Albæk (nanna.albaek@roche.com), ad interim Head of Synthesis and Optimisation.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

·  Who we are

At Roche, 94,000 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.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer.