Chemist Oligo

Hongene Biotech Corporation; Union City (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Hongene Biotech Corporation in Union City, California is seeking a Chemist – Oligonucleotide Synthesis to synthesize, purify, and characterize custom oligonucleotides used in biotech and biopharma. Reporting to a Staff Scientist, you will help advance target oligos from synthesis through purification and characterization.

This entry-level role provides hands-on time with lab-scale synthesizers, preparative HPLC, and LC‑MS, with room to grow in oligonucleotide expertise and contribute to nucleic

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemistry or a related discipline.
• 0–2 years of industrial experience preferred.
• Familiar with basic chemistry lab procedures and safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare synthesis reagents and phosphoramidites, and track reagent inventory.
• Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis on lab-scale synthesizers and help maintain instruments.
• Perform cleavage and deprotection of synthesized oligonucleotides and prepare samples for downstream applications.
• Purify and desalt oligonucleotides using ÄKTA systems or preparative HPLC, following SOPs.
• Characterize oligonucleotides using UV‑Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC‑MS.
• Support troubleshooting and optimization of synthesis and purification workflows under supervision.
• Collaborate with cross-functional biology, chemistry, and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain the chemistry laboratory space in compliance with safety regulations.
• Follow SOPs, PPE requirements, and hazardous-waste procedures.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and meet project timelines.
• Report problems and deviations to senior staff.

Skills

Hands-on bench work

Documentation & communication

Office software familiarity

Education

BS or MS in Chemistry

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesizers

HPLC / FPLC

LC‑MS

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Job description

Union City, California | Full-Time | Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Pay Range: $25.00 - $45.00Since our founding in 1998, Hongene has been at the forefront of nucleic acid chemistry, earning global recognition for delivering high‑purity building blocks that powered the early development of RNA therapeutics. Over the years, we have expanded beyond raw materials to become a trusted CDMO partner for oligonucleotide and mRNA medicines. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation, we continue to scale cutting‑edge science — helping our partners advance the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics from discovery to market.

Chemist – Oligonucleotide Synthesis

Union City, California | Full-Time | Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Pay Range: $25.00 - $45.00Since our founding in 1998, Hongene has been at the forefront of nucleic acid chemistry, earning global recognition for delivering high‑purity building blocks that powered the early development of RNA therapeutics. Over the years, we have expanded beyond raw materials to become a trusted CDMO partner for oligonucleotide and mRNA medicines. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation, we continue to scale cutting‑edge science — helping our partners advance the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics from discovery to market.

About The Role

As a Chemist – Oligonucleotide Synthesis, you will synthesize, purify, and characterize custom oligonucleotides used across the biotech and biopharma industries. Reporting to a Staff Scientist and working closely with senior chemists and scientists, you'll help take new target oligos from synthesis through purification and characterization.

This role is built for a motivated chemist early in their industry career. You'll get hands‑on time on lab‑scale synthesizers, preparative HPLC, and LC‑MS, with room to grow as you build your oligonucleotide expertise.

What You'll Do

• Prepare synthesis reagents and phosphoramidites, and keep track of reagent inventory.
• Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis on lab‑scale synthesizers (e.g., MerMade, ÄKTA oligopilot 10, OligoSynt) and help maintain the instruments. Support optimization and scale‑up of synthesis procedures under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Perform cleavage and deprotection of synthesized oligonucleotides and prepare samples for downstream applications.
• Purify and desalt oligonucleotides using ÄKTA systems or preparative HPLC, following SOPs.
• Characterize oligonucleotides using UV‑Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC‑MS.
• Support troubleshooting and optimization of synthesis and purification workflows under the direction of senior staff.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional biology, chemistry, and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain the chemistry laboratory space in compliance with safety regulations.
• Follow SOPs, PPE requirements, and hazardous‑waste procedures.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation while meeting project timelines.
• Report problems, deviations, and questions promptly to senior staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemistry or a related discipline with 0–2 years of industrial experience.
• Familiarity with basic chemistry laboratory procedures, including working in a fume hood and handling hazardous waste.
• Comfortable with routine bench work.
• Hands‑on experience with either oligonucleotide synthesis or purification (e.g., lab‑scale oligonucleotide synthesizers or HPLC/FPLC systems). Experience in both is not required.
• Familiar with office software and work‑related software.
• Good documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience synthesizing oligonucleotides with modified building blocks and solid supports.
• Prior experience with fluorescent dye conjugation.

Hongene Biotech Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.