Research Associate I / Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process Research

Scorpion Therapeutics; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics in Carlsbad, CA seeks a Research Associate I/II to support oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing research. You will execute experiments and perform solid-phase synthesis, purification and data collection under guidance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, keen attention to detail, and strong collaboration across teams. Safety and regulatory awareness are essential for ongoing experiments and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field; RA II requires ≥2 years relevant experience.
• Understanding of basic chemistry/lab practices and problem solving.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain accurate records; communicate results.
• Attention to detail, strong communication skills, cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; safe work with hazardous chemicals/pharmaceutical materials; occasional schedule flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Execute defined laboratory experiments supporting oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing research.
• Perform laboratory-scale solid-phase synthesis and related operations (e.g., coupling, oxidation, detritylation, deprotection, cleavage).
• Prepare, process, and purify oligonucleotide materials (e.g., chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, annealing, concentration, isolation).
• Support process-development programs across modalities (e.g., antisense, siRNA, conjugated, modified oligonucleotides).
• Collect/review experimental and analytical data; record results in electronic lab notebooks; contribute to technical documents.
• Operate lab equipment after training; maintain safety, data integrity, and organized lab operations; support investigations with cross-functional partners.

Skills

Lab techniques

Record keeping

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Safety with hazardous materials

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

UV detection

ELN/LIMS

Job description

Position: Research Associate I / Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process Research

Work Location: Carlsbad, CA

Responsibilities

• Execute defined laboratory experiments supporting oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing research.
• Perform laboratory-scale solid-phase synthesis and related operations (e.g., coupling, oxidation, detritylation, deprotection, cleavage).
• Prepare, process, and purify oligonucleotide materials (e.g., chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, annealing, concentration, isolation).
• Support process-development programs across modalities (e.g., antisense, siRNA, conjugated, modified oligonucleotides).
• Evaluate process conditions, materials/resins/reagents, and equipment settings under guidance.
• Prepare drug substance, intermediates, research materials, impurity samples, and analytical/manufacturing support samples.
• Collect/review experimental and analytical data; record results in electronic lab notebooks.
• Contribute to technical documents (reports, presentations, process summaries) under review.
• Operate lab equipment after training; maintain safety, data integrity, and organized lab operations.
• Support investigations into unexpected results; collaborate with cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field; Research Associate II requires at least 2 years relevant experience.
• Understanding of basic chemistry/lab practices and problem solving.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain accurate records; communicate results.
• Attention to detail, strong communication skills, cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; safe work with hazardous chemicals/biological/pharmaceutical materials; occasional schedule flexibility.

Preferred

• Experience with oligonucleotides/nucleic acids/peptide conjugates or process chemistry/purification/pharma manufacturing.
• Familiarity with solid-phase synthesis, chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, and/or lab-scale manufacturing.
• Exposure to HPLC, LC-MS, UV detection; use of ELN/LIMS/spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of GLP/GMP, chemical hygiene, data integrity; experience preparing technical reports/presentations.