Research Associate I

The Fountain Group; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 78,385,000 - 85,411,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a Research Associate to join our RNAi Chemical Development team in Boulder, CO, onsite. You will contribute to the preparation, synthesis, processing, and purification of oligonucleotide starting materials for RNAi programs.

The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, meticulous documentation, and collaboration to improve efficiency and scalability across development workflows. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in a related science is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 0–3+ years of lab experience.
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, processing, or purification.
• Knowledge of HPLC or LC-MS preferred.
• Basic understanding of oligonucleotide chemistry or RNAi processes.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation and delivery of high-quality oligonucleotide starting materials for RNAi development programs.
• Perform laboratory procedures involving oligonucleotide synthesis, processing, and purification.
• Support ligation-based RNAi manufacturing development through timely substrate preparation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and workflows supporting reliable material supply.
• Document experimental procedures, materials, and workflow activities.
• Contribute to process improvements focused on laboratory efficiency and scalability.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Oligonucleotide purification

HPLC/LC-MS

Laboratory techniques

RNAi processes

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Tools

Automated oligonucleotide synthesizers

Mermade systems

Ion-exchange chromatography

LC-MS instrumentation

Job description

Research Associate – RNAi Chemical Development
Location: Boulder, CO – Onsite
Pay Rate: $27.37/hr
Duration: 1+ year, with potential extension up to 2 years

Job Description

• Support preparation and delivery of high-quality oligonucleotide starting materials for RNAi development programs.

• Perform laboratory procedures involving oligonucleotide synthesis, processing, and purification.

• Support ligation-based RNAi manufacturing development through timely substrate preparation.

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and workflows supporting reliable material supply.

• Document experimental procedures, materials, and workflow activities.

• Contribute to process improvements focused on laboratory efficiency and scalability.

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related science/engineering discipline.

Required Skills

• 0–3+ years of relevant laboratory experience.

• Hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques.

• Knowledge of oligonucleotide synthesis, processing, or purification.

• Experience with HPLC or LC-MS is preferred.

• Basic understanding of oligonucleotide chemistry or RNAi processes.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers, such as Mermade systems.

• Experience with ion-exchange chromatography for oligonucleotide purification.

• Experience supporting RNAi chemical development or oligonucleotide manufacturing workflows.