Director of Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Technology

Tübingen, BW

Germany

AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to be the leading RNA editing company delivering precision therapies to patients with rare and common diseases.

AIRNA is harnessing advances in genetics to develop transformative RNA-editing medicines that improve human health. Our proprietary platform is based on groundbreaking research by pioneers of the field and company co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University) and enables optimal potency, safety, and delivery. AIRNA is advancing a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates that are designed to provide functional cures for severe or chronic diseases by repairing harmful genetic variants or introducing beneficial variants promote optimal health.

AIRNA has raised $245 million in financing from a world-class syndicate of investors including Arch Venture Partners, Forbion, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, RTW Investments, Nextech Invest, and ND Capital. We value teamwork, resilience, excellence, human, and health, and have a diverse team at both our headquarters in Cambridge, MA and our research operations in Tübingen, Germany.

AIRNA Bio Germany GmbH is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Director of Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Technology.

As the Director of Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Technology at AIRNA, you will be a key leadership figure driving the development and scaling of innovative oligonucleotide-based therapies. Working in a dynamic, international environment between our sites in Tübingen, Germany, and Boston, USA, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of medicine.

• Design, optimize, and scale-up synthesis for high-throughput- and/or larger scales for in-vivo applications (incl. tox material), including synthesis C&D, purification, conjugation (post synthesis), UFDF/TFF, and lyophilization.
• Generate technical documentation for seamless transfer of process parameters to the AIRNA US site or external service providers.
• Lead and train a team of chemists in Tübingen, overseeing daily laboratory operations.
• Manage multi-site technology transfers for oligonucleotide synthesis processes, ensuring smooth coordination across facilities.
• Support equipment FAT, SAT, and PQ (IQ and OQ) activities at AIRNA sites, as well as the ramp-up of local process development activities (non-GMP).
• Develop analytical strategies for the Tübingen site, including implementing suitable HPLC methods (AEX, IPRP) with Waters, Agilent, and Thermo-Fischer instruments. Experience with Mass Spectrometry (Q-TOF, Orbitrap) is desirable.
• Contribute to high-throughput screening and library formation of oligonucleotide lead candidates.
• Willingness to travel between Tübingen and Boston, engaging with both sites, embracing different cultures, and communicating fluently in English is essential.

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry with a strong background in oligonucleotide chemistry and analytics, especially Mass Spectrometry.
• Further experience in the preparation, design, and analytics of oligonucleotides and related high-throughput screening techniques is desired.
• An additional background in peptide synthesis for the design and preparation of endosomal escape vehicles is a plus.

• An exciting leadership role in a promising, high-impact research field.
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of future medicines.
• Work within a fast-growing startup that values innovation and scientific excellence.
• Collaborate with a diverse, enthusiastic, and international team.
• Be part of the ONE AIRNA culture.
• Attractive compensation, stock options, and additional benefits.
• The position involves working across both Germany and the US, including travel and intercultural exchange opportunities.

This position is based in Tübingen, Germany.

We look forward to your application and to shaping the future of medicine together To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and CV to