Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Advanced Clinical; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k benefits

Job summary

Advanced Group seeks a Scientist II to support oligonucleotide discovery, synthesis, purification, characterization, and scale-up. The role collaborates across teams to advance therapeutic candidates and ensure quality with HPLC and MS analyses.

The ideal candidate has hands-on oligonucleotide chemistry experience, automation proficiency, and strong communication skills to contribute to design and strategy in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Organic, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field.
• Hands-on oligonucleotide synthesis with automated synthesizers.
• Experience with nucleic acid chemistry, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Proficiency with HPLC and mass spectrometry for quality assessment.

Responsibilities

• Perform oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and characterization for discovery programs.
• Operate and troubleshoot automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and lab equipment.
• Use HPLC and MS to assess product quality, purity, and identity.
• Support impurity profiling, process optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance candidates.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Automated synthesizers

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Analytical characterization

Data interpretation

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry

Master's degree in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or related

Tools

Automated synthesizers

HPLC systems

Mass spectrometry instruments

Job description

We are seeking a Scientist II to support oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery and development programs. This role will focus on oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, characterization, and scale-up activities while partnering with cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with oligonucleotide chemistry, automated synthesis platforms, and analytical characterization techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and characterization to support discovery research programs.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and associated laboratory equipment.
• Utilize HPLC, mass spectrometry, and related analytical techniques to assess product quality, purity, and identity.
• Support impurity profiling, process optimization, and troubleshooting activities.
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific strategy through literature review and research activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate chemistry and biology data and support candidate progression.
• Develop and optimize scalable synthesis methods and support material generation for preclinical studies.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Support laboratory operations while meeting project timelines and research objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers.
• Experience with nucleic acid chemistry, oligonucleotide purification, and analytical characterization.
• Proficiency with HPLC, mass spectrometry, and related analytical techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics, RNA‑based therapeutics, or nucleic acid drug discovery.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related research and development environments.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, modification chemistries, sequence design, and mechanisms of action.
• Experience with oligonucleotide delivery technologies, bioconjugation, or large molecule drug discovery.
• Experience supporting scale‑up synthesis and material production for preclinical studies.

Full‑time employees are also eligible for benefits options such as health coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401k benefits.

At Advanced Group, our commitment to diversity and inclusion in every part of our organization is crucial to fulfilling our mission and demonstrating our REAL values. Advanced Group is committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or sexual preference, pregnancy or maternity, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Advanced Group complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].