Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Pharmaceutical Company; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmaceutical Company in South San Francisco, CA seeks a Scientist II to support oligonucleotide discovery in a contract on W2 role. You will perform automated synthesis, purify and characterize oligos, and contribute to therapeutic programs in neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

Ideal candidates hold BS/MS in organic chemistry with hands-on synthesis experience, HPLC, MS, and strong problem-solving skills, working both independently and with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced research

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience with HPLC purification and Mass Spectrometry characterization.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis using oligo synthesizers.
• Purify and characterize oligonucleotides using HPLC and Mass Spectrometry.
• Troubleshoot synthesis processes and impurity profiling.
• Develop and optimize nucleic acid chemistry workflows.
• Support lead molecule scale-up synthesis for preclinical studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional biology and chemistry teams.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation including oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting equipment.
• Analyze experimental data and support therapeutic candidate progression.
• Review scientific literature and propose innovative chemistry strategies.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation while meeting project timelines.

Skills

Automated synthesis

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Independent + collaborative work

Education

BS Organic Chemistry

MS Organic Chemistry

Tools

Oligonucleotide synthesis equipment

HPLC purification

Mass Spectrometry

Nucleic acid chemistry

Job description

Job Title: Scientist II - Oligonucleotide Discovery

Workplace Type: On-site

Employment Type: Contract on W2

Contract Duration: 12 Months (Possible Extension)

Job Description

We are seeking a Scientist II to support an innovative research team focused on oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge RNA-based drug discovery programs in a highly collaborative research environment.

The successful candidate will work alongside multidisciplinary scientists supporting therapeutic programs across neuroscience, oncology, and immunology while driving nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide synthesis activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis using oligo synthesizers.


• Purify and characterize oligonucleotides using HPLC and Mass Spectrometry.


• Troubleshoot synthesis processes and impurity profiling.


• Develop and optimize nucleic acid chemistry workflows.


• Support lead molecule scale-up synthesis for preclinical studies.


• Collaborate with cross-functional biology and chemistry teams.


• Maintain laboratory instrumentation including oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting equipment.


• Analyze experimental data and support therapeutic candidate progression.


• Review scientific literature and propose innovative chemistry strategies.


• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation while meeting project timelines.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry or related scientific discipline.


• Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesis.


• Experience with HPLC purification and Mass Spectrometry characterization.


• Knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide therapeutics.


• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D.


• Experience with RNAi therapeutics.


• Knowledge of siRNA, ASO, or other nucleic acid therapeutic modalities.


• Experience with oligonucleotide delivery technologies.


• Bio-conjugation or large molecule drug discovery experience.

Interview Process

• Local candidates attend onsite.


• Non-local candidates may interview virtually.