Scientist III, Chemistry

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Pleasanton, CA

1d•$90,900 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Organic and Oligo Chemistry team designs and develops novel dyes and highly functionalized oligonucleotide constructs to support R&D programs and new product development within the Genetic Sciences Division. In this R&D role, the Scientist designs, synthesizes, purifies, characterizes, and evaluates modified oligonucleotide constructs for real-time PCR and other molecular biology workflows. The work combines oligonucleotide chemistry expertise with hands-on PCR experimentation to understand how oligonucleotide design and chemical modifications affect functional assay performance. The Scientist independently designs and executes experiments, solves complex technical problems, and provides scientific recommendations to advance R&D and new product introduction programs. The role works closely with scientists across chemistry, PCR, Human Identification (HID), and manufacturing teams. It is fully onsite at the Pleasanton, California facility; relocation assistance is not provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 3–5 years of relevant laboratory/R&D experience, or a master’s degree in one of these disciplines with relevant graduate research and/or professional R&D experience.
Relevant graduate research experience may include thesis or other laboratory-based research.
Hands-on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related area.
Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, modification, conjugation, and/or characterization.
Experience with analytical and purification techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, or related methods.
Hands-on experience operating real-time PCR instruments and performing PCR or qPCR experiments.
Experience analyzing and interpreting real-time PCR amplification data.
Ability to independently design and execute experiments, analyze complex data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and develop scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.
Strong scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to investigate root causes and develop experimental approaches to address technical problems.
Ability to manage multiple experimental activities and priorities and contribute effectively to R&D project objectives.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and prepare technical reports and presentations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical results and recommendations to multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with automated DNA/RNA synthesizers and chemically modified oligonucleotides.
Experience with HPLC purification and LC-MS characterization of oligonucleotides.
Experience designing and evaluating primers and fluorescently labeled probes for real-time PCR applications.
Experience with real-time PCR assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
Experience investigating the impact of oligonucleotide modifications, fluorescent dyes, and quenchers on PCR probe performance.
Familiarity with fluorescent dyes, quenchers, bioconjugation chemistry, NHS ester chemistry, click chemistry, or related conjugation approaches.
Experience developing and optimizing methods for oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, labeling, or characterization.
Experience working in an industrial R&D or product development environment.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on new product development, technology transfer, or manufacturing support.

Responsibilities

Design and synthesize highly functionalized, modified, and dye-labeled oligonucleotides for R&D and new product development.
Perform automated synthesis of primers, PCR probes, LNA/L-DNA-modified oligonucleotides, dye-labeled oligonucleotides, and other chemically modified oligonucleotide constructs.
Purify, analyze, and characterize oligonucleotides using techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Independently identify and troubleshoot complex challenges involving oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, labeling, characterization, and functional performance.
Develop and optimize post-synthesis dye-labeling and oligonucleotide-functionalization methods using NHS ester chemistry, click chemistry, and related conjugation approaches.
Design and perform real-time PCR experiments to evaluate primers, probes, fluorescent dyes, quenchers, and modified oligonucleotide constructs.
Operate real-time PCR instruments and analyze amplification data to evaluate oligonucleotide and probe performance.
Investigate relationships between oligonucleotide design, chemical modifications, dye and quencher properties, and functional PCR performance.
Independently design experimental strategies, execute experiments, analyze and interpret complex data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and recommend next steps.
Develop and optimize experimental methods to address technical challenges and support feasibility studies and product development programs.
Use scientific judgment to prioritize experiments, identify technical risks, and propose solutions that advance project objectives.
Prepare experimental protocols, technical reports, presentations, and other R&D documentation.
Communicate experimental results, conclusions, and scientific recommendations to project teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams on process development, technology transfer, and troubleshooting of new oligonucleotide constructs.
Partner with organic chemistry colleagues to evaluate fluorescent dyes, quenchers, linkers, and related chemical modifications for oligonucleotide applications.
Work with PCR and Human Identification scientists on new product development, assay optimization, feasibility studies, and technical problem-solving.
Provide technical guidance and share oligonucleotide chemistry and PCR expertise with scientists and team members as appropriate.
Participate in group and cross-functional project meetings and contribute scientific recommendations to project decisions.

Benefits

Choice of national medical and dental plans and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
At least 120 hours of paid time off (PTO).
10 paid holidays annually.
Paid parental leave: 3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave.
Accident and life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
Competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), offering eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
Variable annual bonus may be available based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.