The Nucleotide Chemistry Group Leader will be in charge of the development, production and quality control of modified nucleotides, one of the key reagents in DNA Script’s technology.

You will play a key role at DNA Script, since we plan to enter the DNA market in the coming years and need to secure sourcing and pricing of these key reagents. Development of new modified nucleotides with additional functionalities is also crucial to broaden our technology applications.

Your roles will be to:
(i) Manage the Chemistry R&D team for the development of multiple types of modified nucleotides
(ii) Ensure the sourcing, production and quality of these nucleotides at large scale in adequation with the Company development and business plans

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 5 scientists (PhDs, engineers, technicians) to complete projects according to established timelines
• Provide guidance to the team for developing new synthetic routes, establishing scalable and economical processes, optimizing process parameters and increasing internal production capabilities
• Define strategy roadmap for the production of the modified nucleotide portfolio (internal/external) and the associated cost reduction
• Lead the transfer of products from R&D to Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMO)
• Work with CMOs for large scale production, find new partners, negotiate mutually beneficial contracts and build strong beneficial partnerships
• Author, review, and/or approve technology documents such as tech transfer documents, validation protocols, reports
• Ensure the delivery of modified nucleotides and their quality at standards compatible with R&D needs and with upcoming DNA production operations

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Holds a Master or PhD degree in the field of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar with a minimum of 8-10 years of industry experience required
• Experience in R&D team and project management
• Expertise in nucleic acid chemistry
• Experience in sourcing and procurement
• Experience in industrial process and scale-up
• Experience in technology transfer with CMO
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Team player, efficient interaction with internal team members as well as external partners
• Fluent English speaker

Desirable

• Expertise in nucleoside and nucleotide chemistry
• Experience with phosphoramidite chemistry

Miscellanous

• Job located in Kremlin-Bicêtre (Paris area)
• Start date: ASAP