Principal Scientist | Oligonucleotide Discovery Platform & RNA Therapeutics
The Position
At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to transforming patients' lives through breakthrough science and innovative therapeutic modalities. Oligonucleotide therapeutics, including siRNA-based medicines and targeted RNA delivery technologies, represent one of the most exciting frontiers in modern drug discovery.
To strengthen our growing RNA therapeutics capabilities, we are seeking an experienced and visionary scientist to establish and lead an in-house oligonucleotide chemistry platform within Medicinal Chemistry.
In this highly visible role, you will combine scientific leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise. You will establish laboratory capabilities for oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization, support drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, and help shape Boehringer Ingelheim's long-term strategy and intellectual property position in siRNA therapeutics, conjugate technologies and tissue-targeted delivery approaches. You will drive the future direction of oligonucleotide-based drug discovery at Boehringer-Ingelheim.
Tasks & responsibilities
As Principal Scientist Oligonucleotide Discovery Platform & RNA Therapeutics, you will:
- Establish, operate, lead and continuously advance Boehringer Ingelheim's in-house oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization laboratory within the Medicinal Chemistry Department.
- Serve as scientific lead for oligonucleotide chemistry, RNA modification strategies and conjugate technologies across Discovery Research.
- Design, synthesize, purify and characterize siRNAs, chemically modified oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide conjugates to support portfolio projects.
- Develop innovative chemical solutions enabling improved potency, durability, safety and tissue-specific delivery of RNA therapeutics.
- Drive the identification, evaluation and implementation of novel RNA-targeting technologies and emerging delivery concepts.
- Build deep expertise in extrahepatic delivery strategies and tissue-targeted RNA therapeutics.
- Collaborate closely with biology, DMPK, translational medicine, pharmaceutical sciences and external partners to advance RNA therapeutic programs.
- Contribute to target assessment and modality selection by evaluating the suitability of RNA-based approaches for challenging disease targets.
- Lead interdisciplinary, global oligonucleotide based projects and drive drug discovery programs from ideation to development candidate.
- Identify opportunities for proprietary innovation and develop sustainable intellectual property positions in oligonucleotide chemistry, RNA modification and conjugate design.
- Support the development of differentiated platform technologies and contribute to patent filings.
- Establish external scientific networks and monitor technological developments across academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
- Present research findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
- Mentor scientists and contribute to the development of Boehringer Ingelheim's future oligonucleotide strategy.
Requirements
- PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid chemistry, biochemistry or a related discipline.
- Industrial or academic experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics and RNA-targeting drug discovery.
- Strong hands-on expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and analytical characterization.
- Deep understanding of siRNA design principles, chemical modification strategies and conjugate technologies.
- Experience with GalNAc-siRNA, extrahepatic delivery technologies or oligonucleotide-targeting ligands is highly desirable.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with enthusiasm for building new scientific capabilities and platforms.
- Experience in leading research projects in an industry setting is an advantage.
- Prior experience in establishing an oligonucleotide laboratory or serving as an oligonucleotide laboratory manager is an advantage; a thorough familiarity with the relevant instrumentation is, as a minimum, expected.
- Team-oriented and collegial attitude with profound communication skills.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills in English as well as willingness to adopt a basic command of the German language.
Start date: ASAP
As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, salary information will be shared during the recruitment process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing package.
Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.
Ready to contact us?
If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Recruitment process:
Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until September 7th, 2026. We reserve the right to take the posting offline beforehand.
Step 2: Virtual meeting in the period from mid September
Step 3: On-site interviews end of September
Please submit your application documents in English.