Position: Oligonucleotide Scientist II
Location: 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Job Type: 4-Month Contract (Potential for Extension or Full-Time Conversion)
Pay Rate: $36.97 - $49.65/hour (W2)
Benefits: Weekly Pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Work Schedule
- Work Model: 100% On-site (South San Francisco, CA)
- Schedule: Monday through Friday
- Shift: Standard 8-hour day shift
Interview Process
- One Round (30 Minutes)
- Local candidates are expected to attend the interview on-site.
- Candidates outside the immediate area may interview virtually.
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Scientist II to join the Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery (NADD) team within the Protein Sciences (PS) department. This role is ideal for a creative, collaborative, and self-driven scientist with hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and discovery. You will contribute to the development of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across neuroscience, immunology, and oncology research. Experience with RNAi therapeutics, oligonucleotide delivery, or large molecule drug discovery is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research in oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery to support innovative treatment strategies.
- Perform hands-on oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers.
- Troubleshoot synthesis processes and support impurity profiling.
- Purify and characterize oligonucleotides using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and related analytical techniques.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including oligonucleotide synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
- Review scientific literature and design nucleic acid chemistry strategies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional chemistry and biology teams to advance therapeutic candidates.
- Develop and optimize scaled-up synthesis methods for lead compounds.
- Coordinate material production for preclinical studies.
- Maintain high laboratory productivity to meet project timelines for in vitro and in vivo research.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Hands-on experience with:
- Automated oligonucleotide synthesizers
- Oligonucleotide synthesis and purification
- HPLC analysis
- Mass spectrometry characterization
- Experience with Client nucleic acid chemistry.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and laboratory skills.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in RNAi therapeutic research and development.
- Knowledge of:
- Nucleic acid therapeutic modalities
- Modification chemistries
- Sequence selection strategies
- Mechanisms of action
- Experience with:
- Oligonucleotide therapeutics
- Large molecule drug discovery
- Oligonucleotide delivery technologies
- Bioconjugation
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