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.
Our uniquely integrated approach brings together leading capabilities in small molecule and oligonucleotide chemistry, enabling powerful cross-talk between modalities and unlocking novel therapeutic opportunities. Within our Chemistry, Discovery Biology, and Genetic Medicine groups, we are pioneering RNA-based therapeutics and next-generation delivery technologies, with a strong focus on overcoming key challenges in siRNA and ASO delivery.
As part of our 24-month Postdoctoral Programme, with potential extension to 36 months, we are looking for you – A proactive and innovative thinker, a team player and creative problem-solver, eager to challenge conventions and make a real impact. You will work on cutting-edge projects, build a strong scientific network, and benefit from dedicated mentoring, leadership coaching, and tailored development opportunities to accelerate your personal and professional growth.
What the job looks like
In this role, you will operate at the interface of chemistry and biology, partnering closely with a biochemistry and biophysics-focused postdoctoral scientist to build a center of excellence in oligonucleotide delivery. You will be embedded across Grünenthal’s Chemistry, Discovery Biology, and Genetic Medicine groups, working in a uniquely integrated environment that enables rapid translation from chemical innovation to biological impact.
Leveraging cutting-edge internal synthesis capabilities, you will explore and advance a broad range of design strategies, including backbone, sugar, nucleotide, linker, and conjugate modifications. In addition, you will engage with external partners across small molecule, peptide, and antibody technologies to expand delivery modalities and unlock new therapeutic opportunities.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Hands-on Oligonucleotide Chemistry (Lab-Based): Design and synthesize novel siRNA/ASO constructs using advanced backbone modifications, custom monomers, and innovative conjugation strategies to enhance delivery and cellular uptake.
- Next-Generation Delivery Design: Develop and optimize targeted conjugates (e.g., lipid-, peptide-, and receptor-based) to improve tissue specificity and intracellular trafficking.
- Collaborative Innovation: Partner closely with biochemistry and biophysics experts in iterative design–make–test cycles to translate chemistry into biological impact.
- Embedded in a Distinguished Scientific Network: Contribute within a leading chemistry organization and Genetic Medicine group, collaborating with internationally recognized experts across disciplines.
- Translational Impact & Scientific Excellence: Drive data interpretation, communicate results in high-impact publications, and help shape Grünenthal’s genetic medicine strategy.
What you'll bring to the table
To thrive in this role, you should have:
- We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist with expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry to help shape the next generation of siRNA and ASO therapeutics with improved activity, stability, and delivery.
- You hold a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field, with strong hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis. You bring deep expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry, as well as in the design of linkers and conjugates at both terminal and internal oligonucleotide positions.
- You have a solid background in bioconjugation chemistry, including the development of siRNA/ASO conjugates (e.g., via click chemistry and related approaches), and are proficient in advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry.
- You thrive in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment, working seamlessly with biology-focused scientists to translate chemical innovation into functional delivery solutions through iterative design–make–test cycles.
- Personally, you are curious, proactive, and open-minded, with a strong drive to learn and explore new technologies. You are a self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
- Experience with programming (e.g., Python) for oligonucleotide sequence analysis is an advantage, as is exposure to international and multicultural working environments.
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
