Scientist I/II, Nucleic Acid Chemistry
About The Position
This position reports to the Head of Nucleic Acid Chemistry. We are seeking a detail-oriented Nucleic Acid Chemistry Scientist to join our growing Nucleic Acid Chemistry team supporting the CMC development of oligonucleotides, mRNA, pDNA templates, and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). The successful candidate will bring strong hands-on expertise in synthesis and purification of nucleic acids, as well as HPLC and LC-MS analytics for RNA, DNA, and nucleic acid medicines. You will have a proven track record of developing, documenting, qualifying, and troubleshooting analytical methods and production processes in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role also requires experience working with and managing Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and developing/synthesizing reference materials to enable method development and program progression. This role may be filled at Scientist I or Scientist II depending on experience and demonstrated level of independence.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2–5 years of industry experience in nucleic acid synthesis or analytical development.
- Hands-on experience in pDNA, mRNA, and oligonucleotide production: Including microbial fermentation, pDNA purification, linearization, and in vitro transcription (IVT), solid-phase synthesis, & lyophilization.
- Extensive hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC and LC-MS applied to mRNA, pDNA, oligonucleotides, and/or oligonucleotide conjugates.
- Demonstrated success developing and qualifying analytical methods for nucleic acids (e.g., Capillary Electrophoresis/Fragment Analyzer for mRNA integrity).
- Experience developing, synthesizing/sourcing, characterizing, and maintaining reference materials/standards.
- Proven experience working with and managing CRO and/or CDMO partners.
- Strong understanding of nucleic acid challenges (e.g., RNase-free handling, secondary structures, ion-pairing reagents, sequence variants, and conjugation heterogeneity).
Nice To Haves
- Experience with antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) and LNP-formulated mRNA.
- Familiarity with GMP/GLP environments and regulatory expectations for method lifecycle management.
- Hands-on knowledge of complementary techniques (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR, SEC-MALS, and biophysical assays).
Responsibilities
- Synthesis and Process Development
- pDNA Production: Execute microbial fermentation (E. coli) for plasmid DNA amplification; perform harvesting, lysis, and purification of pDNA.
- Linearization: Perform enzymatic restriction digests to linearize pDNA templates for downstream transcription.
- mRNA Synthesis: Lead in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions to produce mRNA, including enzymatic capping (Cap 1) and poly-adenylation.
- Oligonucleotide: Execute procedures to synthesize oligonucleotides.
- Purification: Utilize TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration) and chromatography (IEX, HIC, or Affinity) to purify intermediates and finished products from process-related impurities.
- Analytical Method Development & Qualification
- Develop, optimize, document, qualify, and transfer phase-appropriate analytical methods to support CMC activities for oligonucleotides, mRNA, pDNA, and AOCs.
- Design fit-for-purpose methods for identity, purity, integrity, potency/assay, and stability, including forced-degradation studies.
- Lead method qualification/verification activities for nucleic acid CQAs (e.g., product related purity, drug antibody ratios, mRNA capping efficiency, poly-A tail length, and residual template DNA).
- Execute and interpret analyses using HPLC/UPLC modalities (e.g., IPRP, AE, IEX, HILIC, SEC).
- Perform and interpret LC-MS analyses for intact oligos, mRNA mapping, sequence confirmation, impurity ID, and conjugate characterization.
- Independently troubleshoot instrument and method issues, ensuring data integrity and project continuity.
- Reference Materials Development
- Develop, qualify, and maintain analytical reference materials (e.g., standards, system suitability controls, impurity markers) to support method development, stability programs, and release testing.
- Coordinate and/or perform internal synthesis (chemical or enzymatic) of oligonucleotide and mRNA reference materials and related controls.
- CRO / External Partner Management
- Work effectively with and manage CRO/CDMO partners executing analytical studies, method development, or mRNA/pDNA manufacturing.
- Author, review, and approve CRO protocols, reports, data packages, and method documentation.
- Documentation & Data Integrity
- Document experiments in real time with excellent attention to detail in electronic lab notebooks.
- Support regulatory-compliant documentation for IND/BLA/MAA filings and respond to technical inquiries.
Benefits
- Competitive base and equity compensation commensurate with level of experience and independence
- 401(k) company match
- Generous personal and family medical, dental and vision benefits with 100% of premiums and deductibles covered
- Company-paid disability (STD, LTD) and life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Family planning support up to $45,000 (e.g., IVF/PGT, adoption, surrogacy, egg retrieval)
- Unlimited PTO (paid time off) and flexible schedules
- Annual stipend for continuing education with commitment to your career through individualized professional development plan
- Wellness and Extensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including resources for mental wellness
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
