Associate Scientist, Oligonucleotide Process Chemistry

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

We are seeking a motivated process chemist for a lab-based role to carry out synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides to support our Oligonucleotide Transport Vehicle (OTV) platform. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to contribute to several programs and position us for the future as our groundbreaking OTV therapeutics enter the clinical phase.

Key Accountabilities/ Core Job Responsibilities:

• Devise and carry out development studies to define and improve our unique oligonucleotide synthesis processes, including solid-phase synthesis and purification, as well as starting material and conjugation chemistries.

• Use analytical acumen to elucidate mechanisms and devise means to mitigate impurity formation.

• Stay up to date with relevant scientific literature and be adept at use of search tools.

• Explore new and innovative technologies for both synthesis and purification to enable cost-effective high-volume oligonucleotide production.

• Expand and safely operate our internal oligonucleotide process laboratory.

• Collaborate with discovery scientists, manufacturing and project teams to advance our portfolio and manufacturing strategies and ensure timely technology transfer and flow of information.

• Manage activities at partner CDMOs, as necessary (travel may be required).

• Author and/or review technical and process parameter reports and author relevant CMC sections of regulatory agency submissions.

Qualifications/Skills:

• BA/BS in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 2+ years experience or equivalent years of relevant experience.

• Deep understanding of and demonstrated excellence in oligonucleotide chemistry. (Experience with oligonucleotide starting material chemistry, oligonucleotide-linker chemistry and antibody bioconjugation are pluses.)

• Experience with purification techniques including reversed-phase and ion-exchange chromatography, UF/DF, etc.

• Knowledge of stage-appropriate QC/analytics relevant to oligonucleotide processing

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Highly organized with the ability to plan and achieve research goals in an organizationally diverse research environment. The candidate should embrace an innovative, non-hierarchical approach to our high-energy start-up environment

Salary Range: $0.00 to $0.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at

This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.