Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry

Danaher Corporation • Sunnyvale, CA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), an operating company of Danaher, is a leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology, committed to innovating for tangible impact and saving lives. IDT fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, leveraging the Danaher Business System to accelerate genomics breakthroughs in fields such as cancer, infectious disease, and rare genetic disorders. The Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry will contribute hands-on scientific expertise to the development, optimization, and characterization of oligonucleotide synthesis processes. This role requires deep experience in organic chemistry, particularly phosphoramidite chemistry, and strong analytical skills, including high-resolution LC-MS, to ensure high-quality oligo production and continuous process improvement. The position is crucial for advancing core technology platforms, enabling new products and services, and driving scientific and commercial impact. This is an on-site role located in Sunnyvale, CA, reporting to the Director of Emerging Technologies within the Emerging Technologies Team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline
• 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

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• 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

• broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives
• health care program
• paid time off
• medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• bonus/incentive pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees