Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry
About The Position
The Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry is responsible for contributing hands-on scientific expertise to the development, optimization, and characterization of oligonucleotide synthesis processes. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in organic chemistry—particularly phosphoramidite chemistry—and strong analytical skills, including high-resolution LC‑MS, to support high-quality oligo production and continuous process improvement. The position plays a critical role in advancing core technology platforms, enabling new products and services, and driving scientific and commercial impact across the organization. This position reports to the Director of Emerging Technologies and is part of the Emerging Technologies Team located in Sunnyvale, CA and will be an on-site role.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
- Minimum of 5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide synthesis or closely related chemistry
- Strong practical expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry and solid‑phase oligo synthesis along with a track record of safe laboratory practices
- Demonstrated experience using LC‑MS (high‑resolution preferred) to characterize oligos and diagnose synthesis or process issues
- Proven experience optimizing synthesis or downstream process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification
Nice To Haves
- Background in high-throughput biology, automation, and NGS-based analysis.
- Working with prototype instrumentation and collaborating with engineers.
- Environmental health and safety coordination work.
Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and optimize oligonucleotide synthesis workflows with a strong focus on phosphoramidite chemistry and solid‑phase synthesis
- Apply organic chemistry principles to improve synthesis efficiency, yield, and product quality
- Develop and optimize post-synthesis process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification (e.g., cartridge, HPLC, or other relevant methods), utilizing high‑resolution mass spectrometry (LC‑MS) and complementary analytical techniques to assess oligo identity, purity, and failure modes
- Contribute to evaluation and implementation of new reagents, chemistries, or process improvements for oligo synthesis platforms
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- paid time off
- medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k)
- bonus/incentive pay
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
