Oligonucleotide Chemist II – Diagnostics R&D

Abbott (abbottcareers2 board); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in San Diego seeks a Research Associate II—Chemistry/Biochemistry to support synthesis, purification, and evaluation of oligonucleotides used in diagnostic applications. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality reagents enabling innovative diagnostics.

The role involves hands-on oligonucleotide work, analytical testing, and collaboration across R&D, with emphasis on documentation and quality control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of laboratory experience in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields.
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage, and deprotection techniques.
• Familiarity with analytical characterization methods such as HPLC, UV‑Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality results.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize DNA and RNA oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers.
• Perform cleavage, deprotection, purification, and characterization of oligos.
• Purify oligos using RP‑HPLC, ion‑exchange HPLC, or cartridge purification.
• Conduct analytical testing with HPLC, UV‑Vis, LC‑MS.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and yields data.
• Support assay and product development teams with oligonucleotide input.
• Carry out biochemical experiments and sample prep under supervision.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Analytical techniques

Documentation accuracy

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Molecular Biology

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesizers (Dr. Oligo, MerMade)

HPLC

LC‑MS

UV‑Vis spectroscopy

ÄKTA systems

Job description

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in San Diego seeks a Research Associate II—Chemistry/Biochemistry to support synthesis, purification, and evaluation of oligonucleotides used in diagnostic applications. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality reagents enabling innovative diagnostics.

The role involves hands-on oligonucleotide work, analytical testing, and collaboration across R&D, with emphasis on documentation and quality control.