Research Associate - Chemistry/Biochemistry

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 is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II -Chemistry/Biochemistry to join our Research & Development team in San Diego, California. In this hands‑on laboratory role, you will support the synthesis, purification, characterization, and evaluation of oligonucleotides used in diagnostic applications. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality oligonucleotide reagents that enable the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.

What You’ll Do

• Perform synthesis of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides using automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
• Conduct oligonucleotide cleavage, deprotection, purification, and characterization using established laboratory methods.
• Purify oligonucleotides using reverse‑phase HPLC, ion‑exchange HPLC, or cartridge‑based purification systems.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, LC-MS, and related analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including experimental procedures, synthesis records, yields, and quality‑control results.
• Support assay development and product development teams by providing high‑quality oligonucleotide and technical feedback.
• Execute biochemical experiments and sample preparation procedures under supervision.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance and calibration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Dr. Oligo, MerMade, or equivalent systems).
• Hands‑on experience with post‑synthetic oligonucleotide modification and conjugation chemistry involving fluorophores, quenchers, or other ligands.
• Strong understanding of solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis processes and common oligonucleotide modifications, including fluorescent labels.
• Experience with oligonucleotide purification using reverse‑phase and ion‑exchange chromatography.
• Proficiency with analytical platforms including Agilent, and/or ÄKTA chromatography systems.
• Experience with LC-MS analysis for oligonucleotide characterization.
• Knowledge of solid‑phase organic synthesis principles and their application to oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Experience supporting diagnostic assay development or molecular diagnostics projects.

The base pay for this position is $73,900.00 - $116,000.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:

Research and Discovery

DIVISION:

ID Infectious Disease

LOCATION:

United States > San Diego : 4545 Towne Center Court

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

No

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday), Routine work with chemicals

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Wom