Research Associate I / Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process Research
About The Position
The Research Associate or Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process Research role will support the development and execution of laboratory-scale oligonucleotide manufacturing processes. This entry-level scientist will work under the direction of experienced scientists and project leads to perform defined experiments, prepare and purify oligonucleotide materials, review analytical data, and document results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports. The role is expected to contribute to experiments and technical deliverables; it is not initially responsible for independently setting final manufacturing parameters, approving GMP decisions, leading complex experimental programs, managing external organizations, or serving as the technical owner of a major project. The role offers broad exposure to solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage and deprotection, conjugation, purification, annealing, filtration, and related process operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable learning new chemistry and equipment, following established procedures carefully, recognizing unexpected results, and communicating questions or observations promptly.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered. For the Research Associate II position, at least 2 years of relevant experience is required.
- Demonstrated understanding of basic chemistry, laboratory practices, and scientific problem solving through academic, internship, research, or industry experience.
- Ability to follow written procedures and experimental plans accurately while maintaining careful records.
- Ability to analyze and communicate basic experimental results and recognize when results require additional review or escalation.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to data accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional laboratory and manufacturing support environment.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine laboratory activities, including handling materials and equipment.
- Willingness and ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and biological or pharmaceutical materials, as applicable to assigned work.
- Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support time-sensitive experiments or manufacturing activities.
Nice To Haves
- Research or industry experience with oligonucleotides, nucleic acids, peptide conjugates, process chemistry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or purification science.
- Familiarity with solid-phase synthesis, chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, or laboratory-scale manufacturing operations.
- Exposure to HPLC, LC-MS, UV detection, or interpretation of chromatographic and mass-spectrometric data.
- Experience using an electronic laboratory notebook, laboratory information system, spreadsheet, or other scientific data system.
- Familiarity with good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, chemical hygiene, or data integrity principles.
- Experience preparing technical summaries, laboratory reports, posters, or scientific presentations.
Responsibilities
- Execute defined laboratory experiments supporting oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing research.
- Perform laboratory-scale solid-phase synthesis and related operations, including reagent preparation, coupling, oxidation, detritylation, phosphorus deprotection, cleavage, and deprotection, as applicable to assigned projects.
- Prepare, process, and purify oligonucleotide materials using techniques such as reverse-phase and anion-exchange chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, annealing, concentration, and isolation.
- Support assigned process-development programs, which may include antisense, siRNA, conjugated, and other modified oligonucleotide modalities.
- Evaluate process conditions, materials, resins, reagents, and equipment settings under guidance from experienced team members.
- Prepare laboratory-scale drug substance, intermediates, authentic research materials, impurity samples, and samples for analytical development or manufacturing support.
- Collect, organize, and review experimental and analytical data, including chromatographic and mass-spectrometric results, yields, recoveries, concentrations, and impurity profiles.
- Record experimental procedures, observations, calculations, results, and conclusions accurately and promptly in the electronic laboratory notebook and associated data systems.
- Contribute data and written content to development chemistry reports, presentations, process summaries, and other technical documents under appropriate review.
- Operate laboratory equipment after training and authorization: perform routine cleaning, maintenance, readiness checks, and required documentation.
- Support investigations into unexpected processes or analytical results by gathering information, repeating defined experiments, and escalating findings to the project lead.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Analytical Development & Quality Control, Process Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, Quality, and other partners to complete assigned work.
- Follow laboratory safety requirements, chemical-handling procedures, data-integrity expectations, and applicable quality and compliance practices.
- Maintain an organized laboratory environment and support inventory, material tracking, and safe laboratory operations.
Benefits
- Excellent benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
