Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Position: Oligonucleotide Scientist II
Location: 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Job Type: 4-Month Contract (Potential for Extension or Full-Time Conversion)
Pay Rate: $36.97 - $49.65 /hour (W2)
Benefits: Weekly Pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Work Schedule

• Work Model: 100% On-site (South San Francisco, CA)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday
• Shift: Standard 8-hour day shift

Interview Process

• One Round (30 Minutes)
• Local candidates are expected to attend the interview on-site.
• Candidates outside the immediate area may interview virtually.

About the Role
Our client is seeking a Scientist II to join the Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery (NADD) team within the Protein Sciences (PS) department. This role is ideal for a creative, collaborative, and self-driven scientist with hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and discovery.
You will contribute to the development of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across neuroscience, immunology, and oncology research. Experience with RNAi therapeutics, oligonucleotide delivery, or large molecule drug discovery is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery to support innovative treatment strategies.
• Perform hands-on oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers.
• Troubleshoot synthesis processes and support impurity profiling.
• Purify and characterize oligonucleotides using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and related analytical techniques.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including oligonucleotide synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
• Review scientific literature and design nucleic acid chemistry strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional chemistry and biology teams to advance therapeutic candidates.
• Develop and optimize scaled-up synthesis methods for lead compounds.
• Coordinate material production for preclinical studies.
• Maintain high laboratory productivity to meet project timelines for in vitro and in vivo research.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Automated oligonucleotide synthesizers
  • Oligonucleotide synthesis and purification
  • HPLC analysis
  • Mass spectrometry characterization
• Experience with Client nucleic acid chemistry.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and laboratory skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in RNAi therapeutic research and development.
• Knowledge of:
  • Nucleic acid therapeutic modalities
  • Modification chemistries
  • Sequence selection strategies
  • Mechanisms of action
• Experience with:
  • Oligonucleotide therapeutics
  • Large molecule drug discovery
  • Oligonucleotide delivery technologies
  • Bioconjugation

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