Research Associate II, Oligonucleotide Synthesis

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. in Boston, MA is seeking a hands-on Research Associate II to support synthesis, purification, and conjugation of oligonucleotides for gene editing programs. Responsibilities include solid‑phase synthesis, purification by HPLC, and preparing conjugates for tissue-targeted delivery.

The role offers a fast‑paced, bench‑oriented environment with senior scientist mentorship and ownership of synthesis and conjugation campaigns. On‑site work only.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or related discipline with 2+ years of lab experience; or MS with 0–2+ years.
• Solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis on automated synthesizers, including cleavage, deprotection, and workup.
• Experience with preparative HPLC purification and interpretation of LC‑MS data.
• Bioconjugation chemistry experience (NHS ester, maleimide–thiol, or click) on oligos, peptides, or proteins.
• Strong wet-chemistry skills and meticulous documentation in an electronic notebook.

Responsibilities

• Execute solid‑phase synthesis of RNA/DNA and perform purification to research‑grade specs.
• Prepare and purify oligonucleotides by RP‑HPLC and IEX‑HPLC, and analyze via LC‑MS/UV.
• Conjugate oligos to small molecules or antibodies and characterize products.
• Maintain records, manage inventory, and communicate data at team meetings.
• Work on‑site in a fast-paced discovery chemistry setting.

Education

BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or related discipline

MS in related discipline

Tools

Automated oligonucleotide synthesizer

RP-HPLC

LC‑MS

Empower/Chromeleon/Unicorn

Job description

Job Description: Company Overview

Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase™ editing, a novel and proprietary gene‑editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly‑owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands‑on Research Associate II to support the synthesis, purification, and conjugation of oligonucleotides for our gene editing and targeted delivery programs. In this role you will run solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis on automated platforms, purify and characterize crude material to research‑grade specifications, and prepare small molecule–oligonucleotide and antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates that enable tissue‑targeted delivery. This is a bench‑intensive position within a fast‑moving discovery chemistry group. You will work under the guidance of senior scientists to execute defined experimental plans with high quality and throughput, while progressively taking ownership of your own syntheses, purification campaigns, and conjugation reactions. Success in this role means reliable, well‑documented material delivered on time to invitro and invivo study teams.

Responsibilities

• OligonucleotideSynthesisSolid‑phase synthesis: Execute phosphoramidite‑based synthesis of chemically modified RNA/DNA on automated synthesizers at scales from micromole to millimole.
• Modified chemistries: Incorporate chemically modified building blocks (i.e. 2′-OMe, 2′-F) phosphorothioate and other backbone modifications, and 5′/3′ functional handles for downstream conjugation.
• Cleavage and deprotection: Perform cleavage from support, base and 2′-silyl deprotection, desalting, and lyophilization using established protocols.
• Reagent and instrument readiness: Prepare amidite and reagent solutions, maintain synthesizer uptime through routine maintenance and troubleshooting, and manage consumable and raw material inventory.
• Purification and AnalysisPreparative purification: Purify crude oligonucleotides by RP‑HPLC, IEX‑HPLC; pool, desalt, concentrate, and formulate final material to target concentration and buffer.
• Analytical characterization: Assess identity and purity by LC‑MS, UPLC, and UV quantification; interpret chromatograms and deconvoluted mass data.
• Small Molecule and Antibody ConjugationConjugate preparation: Prepare small molecule–oligonucleotide conjugates, such as GalNAc, lipid, and peptide conjugates, and support preparation of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates using standard bioconjugation chemistries.
• Purification and characterization: Purify conjugates by chromatography and filtration, and assess purity, conjugation efficiency, and drug‑to‑antibody ratio.
• Reaction optimization: Run small‑scale screens of reaction conditions and summarize results for the team.
• Documentation and CollaborationRecord keeping: Maintain complete, contemporaneous electronic lab notebook records and accurate sample registration and inventory in the compound and reagent management systems.
• Data communication: Analyze and present data clearly at team and project meetings.
• Safety and compliance: Work in accordance with all EHS requirements, including safe handling of organic solvents and reactive reagents, proper waste disposal, and correct use of fume hoods and personal protective equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience; or MS in a related discipline with 0–2+ years of experience.
• Hands‑on experience with solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis on an automated synthesizer, including cleavage, deprotection, and workup.
• Demonstrated experience with preparative HPLC purification and interpretation of analytical HPLC or LC‑MS data.
• Practical experience with at least one bioconjugation chemistry, such as NHS ester, maleimide–thiol, or click chemistry, applied to oligonucleotides, peptides, or proteins.
• Strong general wet‑chemistry experience, including accurate weighing, solution preparation, air‑ and moisture‑sensitive handling, and anhydrous techniques.
• Meticulous documentation habits and comfort working in an electronic lab notebook.
• Ability to manage multiple parallel experiments and deliver against timelines in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience synthesizing chemically modified siRNA, ASO, or guide RNA with phosphorothioate and 2′‑modified nucleotides.
• Experience preparing GalNAc, lipid, or peptide conjugates for targeted nucleic acid delivery.
• Experience with antibody handling and antibody–drug or antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate preparation and characterization, including DAR determination.
• Familiarity with protein purification platforms such as FPLC, SEC, HIC, and TFF.
• Experience with LC‑MS deconvolution software and chromatography data systems such as Empower, Chromeleon, or Unicorn.
• Exposure to design of experiments or structured screening approaches for reaction optimization.
• Experience supporting material transfer to external vendors or CDMOs.

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team Undaunted – Fearless, Can‑do attitude Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission.
• Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab‑based positions are located fully on‑site.

Research Associate II: Base pay range of $85,000 to $92,000+ bonus, equity and benefits.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy

Since its inception over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics has transformed from a research‑stage company advancing programs in the field of gene editing, to a company with a diverse portfolio of product candidates across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular and rare diseases. The Nobel Prize‑winning CRISPR science has revolutionized biomedical research and represents a powerful, clinically validated approach with the potential to create a new class of potentially transformative medicines. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic partnerships with leading companies including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly‑owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California, and business offices in London, United Kingdom.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy