Research Associate – Chemistry/Biochemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical coverage

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

FreeU education benefit

Freedom 2 Save program

Job summary

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics in San Diego, CA, seeks a Research Associate II in Chemistry/Biochemistry to join our R&D team. You will synthesize, purify, characterize, and evaluate oligonucleotides for diagnostic applications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality reagents.

The role involves hands-on laboratory work, documentation, and ongoing support for assay development. A Bachelor's in a relevant field and 2–5 years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 2–5 years of lab experience in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields.
• Hands-on oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage, and deprotection techniques.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize DNA and RNA oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers.
• Perform cleavage, deprotection, purification, and characterization.
• Purify oligos using RP-HPLC or ion-exchange chromatography.
• Conduct analytical testing with HPLC, UV-Vis, LC-MS.
• Maintain accurate lab documentation and records.
• Support assay and product development with high-quality reagents.

Skills

Oligo Synthesis

HPLC

Mass Spec

Documentation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Tools

Dr. Oligo

MerMade

HPLC systems

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.