Oligonucleotide Synthesis Scientist

Job Title: Scientist II - Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery

Job Description

This on-site Scientist II role focuses on oligonucleotide discovery and synthesis within a nucleic acid design and discovery team. The position supports a growing oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery group and contributes to RNAi biology research across multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. The successful candidate applies expertise in nucleic acid chemistry to design, synthesize, purify, and characterize oligonucleotide-based therapeutics while collaborating closely with an interdisciplinary chemistry and biology team.

Responsibilities

• Work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research laboratory to design, synthesize, and optimize oligonucleotide compounds.
• Interface with project teams across therapeutic areas such as neuroscience, immunology, and oncology to help build and support a comprehensive oligonucleotide therapeutic portfolio.
• Apply and, where possible, troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis workflows, including impurity profiling and optimization of synthetic routes.
• Collaborate with other scientists to operate and maintain common laboratory equipment, including automated oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
• Perform literature reviews to stay current with advances in nucleic acid chemistry and integrate new concepts into experimental design.
• Propose and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans that align with project objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate chemistry and biology data to support the progression of oligonucleotide compounds through discovery and preclinical stages.
• Establish and optimize methods for scaled-up synthesis of lead oligonucleotide molecules suitable for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Coordinate and manage material delivery of oligonucleotide candidates for preclinical studies, ensuring quality and timely supply.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory to meet project milestones and timelines for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Contribute positively to an interdisciplinary and collaborative team culture within the nucleic acid design and discovery group.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligo synthesizers.
• Practical expertise in novel nucleic acid chemistry applied to oligonucleotide design and modification.
• Experience in oligonucleotide purification and characterization using HPLC.
• Experience in oligonucleotide characterization using mass spectrometry.
• Ability to troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis processes, including impurity profiling.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree or PhD (BS/MS/PhD) in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills applied to nucleic acid chemistry and drug discovery.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated in scientific discussions and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Solid organizational skills to manage multiple experiments and projects in parallel.
• High level of motivation and initiative in a research and discovery setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in research and development of RNAi therapeutics.
• Understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, including different oligonucleotide formats and mechanisms.
• Knowledge of modification chemistries relevant to nucleic acid therapeutics, such as backbone and sugar modifications.
• Familiarity with sequence selection strategies and mechanism-of-action considerations for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience in large molecule drug discovery, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience with oligonucleotide delivery strategies, including formulation or targeting approaches.
• Experience with bio-conjugation techniques involving oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary team working at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site in a laboratory setting in South San Francisco, California. The position follows a standard Monday to Friday schedule with an eight-hour workday. The work environment centers on a nucleic acid design and discovery laboratory equipped with automated oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, desalting units, and mass spectrometry instrumentation. The scientist works closely with colleagues in an interdisciplinary team that spans chemistry and biology, supporting projects in neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. The culture emphasizes collaboration, high scientific rigor, and productivity to meet timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies. Interviews typically consist of a single 30-minute round depending on experience with Oligo synthesis, with local candidates encouraged to attend on site and candidates from outside the immediate area able to participate virtually.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.