Postdoc - Oligonucleotide Biochemistry and Biophysics (m/f/d)
On-site · Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Job Summary
Postdoc role at Grünenthal in Oligonucleotide Biochemistry and Biophysics within a 24-month programme (potential extension to 36 months). You will operate at the interface of chemistry and biology, embedded across Chemistry, Discovery Biology, and Genetic Medicine to build a center of excellence in oligonucleotide delivery. Responsibilities include developing and applying biochemical/biophysical assays to understand determinants of oligonucleotide performance, investigating how structure and delivery influence activity, collaborating with a chemistry-focused postdoc to test new chemistries in vitro/ex vivo, partnering with CROs for in vivo studies, and communicating results through presentations and publications. The role emphasizes design strategies spanning backbone, sugar, nucleotide, linker, and conjugate modifications, and engagement with external partners to expand delivery modalities. Qualifications emphasize a Ph.D. and hands-on assay experience, experience with oligonucleotide modalities, neuroscience-related expertise, cross-disciplinary collaboration, proactive scientific curiosity, and strong communication skills. The position offers attractive compensation, extensive benefits, 30 vacation days plus bridging days, and is located in Aachen, Germany, on-site.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Molecular Pharmacology, or a related discipline
- hands-on experience in developing and applying biochemical and/or biophysical assays
- experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics, delivery mechanisms, or structure–function / property–performance relationships of siRNA, ASO, or related modalities
- experience in neuroscience, neurobiology, sensory neuron models, or translational disease-relevant cellular systems
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: ability to work closely with chemistry-focused scientists to connect synthetic innovations with biological performance, delivery mechanisms, and mechanistic understanding
- Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to colleagues from different disciplines
- Fluent business English (written and spoken)
- International mindset or intercultural experience beneficial
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