Senior Researcher Oligonucleotide Chemistry

ProQR Therapeutics

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden the Netherlands and Cambridge Massachusetts USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150 enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA) which is machinery present in all human cells to repair GtoA mutations modulate protein and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

Our Chemistry Manufacturing and Control (CMC) Department is currently looking for a Senior Researcher (Fulltime) with a passion for chemistry to join our team in Leiden. The CMC department has a central role within the ProQR Therapeutics organization and is responsible for developing manufacturing and characterizing oligonucleotides and therapeutic formulations for research and clinical development.

Location: Leiden The Netherlands

The Role

ProQR is seeking a highly motivated synthetic chemist with experience in highthroughput manufacturing (upstream and/or downstream). The successful candidate will have experience in downstream processing using different purification techniques and preferably have experience with oligonucleotide synthesis or solidphase chemistry in general.

The candidate is enthusiastic about bench work and will work closely with other researchers and scientists in an interdisciplinary team environment to progress activities related to the production of oligonucleotides which include:

• Manufacture highquality custom oligonucleotides in a high throughput MFG lab according to established SOPs.
• Write technical reports and presentations and contribute to manuscripts and SOPs.
• Effectively troubleshoot issues with processes and procedures.
• Maintaining daily operations and monitoring the flow of intermediate products and notifying the manufacturing leads of any discrepancies.
• Identification and implementation of continuous improvement opportunities.
• Perform lab management tasks including training of laboratory manufacturing associates and equipment maintenance.
• The ability to apply his/her knowledge to a new area of study as well as to thrive in a highly interdisciplinary team environment and show leadership ability.

Required qualifications:

• Masters (MSc) degree in (organic) chemistry with 46 years of work experience or 69 years of work experience and highly competent performance at a BSc level (HBO
  
• Good knowledge of peptide/oligonucleotide chemistry process development and manufacturing processes.
• Strong laboratory skills and a high degree of attention to detail.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Responsible with a real proactive attitude who can work independently
• Being flexible analytical and wellorganized.
• Teamwork experience is an important consideration.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Autonomous and coachable.
• Creative thinker
• A nice person :)

Preferred:

• Experience with oligonucleotide manufacturing or solidphase synthesis is a plus.
• Automation experience to streamline repetitive tasks is a plus.
• Experience with GE/Cytiva Unicorn software is desired but not required.
• Should enjoy challenging situations and have the flexibility to work in a dynamic and fastmoving environment where there is the freedom to act.

ProQR as an employer

As an employer we are a true believer in the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people working well together in an environment in which they thrive will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensuring that no employee candidate or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race age disability pregnancy religion gender identity and expression sexual orientation marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization with the following benefits:

• A competitive salary
• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days
• An annual performance bonus
• Stock options
• A premiumfree pension plan
• A commuting allowance
• A subsidized staff restaurant
• Employee events (boot camp Rebel caf and other social events)

Do you want to be part of our devoted team of enthusiastic professionals Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission Do you want to work in a challenging environment where your work can make a difference If so were looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.

You can contact Silvia Catellani via if you have any questions.