Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Responsibilities: The candidate will work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research lab and interface across different therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology and oncology, to help build a comprehensive therapeutic discovery strategy. The candidate must have hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligo synthesizers, novel nucleic acid chemistry, oligonucleotide purification and characterization using HPLC and mass spectrometry.

Our client, a Biotech company, is looking for a Oligonucleotide Scientist II for their South San Francisco, CA location.
 
Responsibilities:

• The candidate will work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research lab and interface across different therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology and oncology, to help build a comprehensive therapeutic discovery strategy.
• Good understanding and also troubleshooting experience in oligonucleotide synthesis, impurity profiling is a plus.
• Collaborate with other scientists to maintain common lab equipment such as oligo synthesizers, HPLC and desalting units.
• Perform literature reviews, propose, and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans, coordinate chemistry and biology data to support oligonucleotide compound progression.
• Establish methods for scaled-up synthesis of lead molecules and coordinate material delivery for preclinical studies.
• Maintaining a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting to meet the timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies.

 
Requirements:

• We are seeking a creative, self-motivated, collaborative Contractor/Scientist-II to join the Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery (NADD) team within Protein Sciences (PS) department at client.
• We are looking for a candidate with experience in oligonucleotide discovery and synthesis to support our new oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery group.
• Experience in delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics, large molecule drug discovery, would be preferred.
• The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary chemistry team working in RNAi biology research and will contribute positively to its developing culture.
• The candidate must have hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligo synthesizers, novel nucleic acid chemistry, oligonucleotide purification and characterization using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
• The qualified individual will possess a BS/MS in Organic Chemistry or related discipline.
• The pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in research and development of RNAi therapeutics is preferred.
• A good understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, modification chemistries, sequence selection, and mechanism of action is preferred. Relevant experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics, large molecule drug discovery, oligonucleotide delivery or bioconjugation is desirable.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential and will be evaluated during the interview process.
• The ideal candidate should be highly motivated and have strong problem-solving, analytical, communication and organizational skills.
• The client introduced the open scientist role within their group, which focuses on oligonucleotide synthesis—specifically DNA and RNA—while excluding long-chain synthesis.
• The position requires solid-phase synthesis experience, purification, and characterization skills, as the team cannot provide training for these core tasks.
• Candidates must have relevant, hands-on experience, and fresh graduates are not suitable for this position.
• Recruiters were advised to source candidates with prior experience from companies such as Thermo Fisher, LGC, and other contract research organizations.
• The client emphasized the need for a candidate committed to staying for at least one to one and a half years, noting that while the initial contract is six months, there is hope for an extension.
• They advised against submitting overqualified candidates, such as those with PhDs and 10 to 15 years of experience, as these individuals often leave the bench role early, which is viewed as a red flag.
• However, the team does not have a strict preference regarding the level of degree, including PhDs or Associate degrees, provided the candidate possesses the required synthesis knowledge.
• Candidates must have experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers, such as Mer Made, ACT, or Shasta, and must understand processing steps including deprotection, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry is mandatory.
• While candidates should have experience with documentation, they do not need prior knowledge of internal client software or electronic lab notebooks, as the team is willing to provide training.
• Beneficial skills include knowledge of drug discovery processes, inventory management, and oligonucleotide design.

 
Why Should You Apply?

• Health Benefits
• Referral Program
• Excellent growth and advancement opportunities