Project Lead, Preclinical Development of Therapeutic siRNA

Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Represent TRD as a member of research stage core project teams, contributing to overall project strategy and success.
• Screen and develop phase-appropriate formulations to enable robust in vivo and clinical assessment of new compounds; author protocols for internal and external labs.
• Assess new compounds for risks related to delivery, aggregation, stability, and developability, and proactively communicate key issues to influence compound selection.
• Provide strategic guidance to cross-functional teams on the selection and optimization of conjugation and delivery technologies, ensuring alignment with project and organizational objectives.
• Basic drug substance characterization by techniques such as XRPD, DSC and TGA, DVS, PLM and UPLC. Assessment of the chemical and physical properties, such as solubility, particle size viscosity, and chemical stability.
• Foster strong team spirit and knowledge exchange within and between teams and manage project-related interactions across departments and with external partners.

• The candidate should pair operational excellence with strong strategic planning and prioritization skills. They will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within and across teams, while proactively managing project interactions between CPP and partner functions, including Biomedical Research and Pharmaceutical Development. The role also requires the ability to integrate cross-functional insights, anticipate emerging trends, and identify opportunities and risks across the portfolio. Clear, timely communication to management—both written and verbal—will be essential to align project execution with organizational strategy and maximize the impact of CPP’s contributions.

What you will bring to the role:

• Advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biologics development.
• Hands-on experience with analytical methods for oligonucleotide characterization, including formulation, analytics, and developability assessment.
• Deep expertise in conjugates, including conjugation chemistry, oligonucleotide delivery strategies, formulation, and preclinical development.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of advancing innovative solutions to delivery and developability challenges.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and review.

Desirable requirements

• Experience advancing siRNA therapeutics toward clinical development.
• Biologics experience supporting conjugation chemistry and delivery strategy development.
• Knowledge of solid-state properties and their impact on formulation and developability.
• Biopharmaceutics expertise for candidate assessment and formulation development; PK/PD experience is a plus.
• Ability to influence oligo construct design during lead optimization

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: 

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,

holidays and other leaves.