Scientist II, Analytical Development (Oligonucleotide)

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 119,700 - 222,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Comprehensive wellness program

Four weeks of time off

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is looking for a Scientist II in Analytical Development. This role specializes in developing oligonucleotide analytical methods and ensures adherence to regulatory standards. Candidates should possess a PhD with relevant experience or a BS/MS with substantial industry experience.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $119,700 - $222,300 and includes comprehensive benefits, a 401(k) plan, and a wellness program.

Qualifications

• Minimum PhD in relevant field or BS/MS with significant experience.
• Deep knowledge of oligonucleotide analytical techniques.
• Understanding of method qualification and transfer to QC.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run oligonucleotide methods in lab work.
• Document experiments and write technical reports.
• Lead method qualification and validation efforts.

Skills

Strong knowledge of nucleic acids chemistry

Experience with mass spectrometry techniques

Ability to develop and qualify analytical methods

Leadership and mentorship skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences

BS/MS degree with 8-10 years of industry experience

Tools

IP-RP-UPLC

Mass spectrometry (Orbitrap, QQQ, Single Quad)

Job description

Profoundly Improve People’s lives by Revolutionizing the Delivery of RNA Therapeutics

At Avidity Biosciences, we are passionate about the impact of every employee in realizing our vision of improving people’s lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics. Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. If you are a committed, solution‑oriented thinker, join us in making a difference and become part of our growing culture that is integrated, collaborative, agile and focused on the needs of patients.

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first‑ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare muscle diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline, including programs in cardiology and immunology through internal discovery efforts and key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Scientist II to join the Analytical Development group who is experienced and committed to developing and running oligonucleotide methods to support our AOC research and clinical programs. This is a hands‑on position with responsibilities that require daily lab work, data analysis, and interpretation of data that will be shared with cross‑functional teams and key stakeholders. The position will report to the Director of Analytical Development and be a part of Avidity's growing CMC/Technical Operations team.

What You Will Contribute

• Strong knowledge of nucleic acids chemistry and oligonucleotide analytical separation techniques including IP‑RP‑UPLC, AEX and HILIC.
• Experience with mass spectrometry techniques to characterize oligonucleotides (Orbitrap, QQQ, Single Quad).
• Independently develops and qualifies analytical methods (IP‑RP‑UPLC denaturing, non‑denaturing, sequencing, identity, residual solvent and assay content) to support oligonucleotide release and stability testing.
• Works closely with external CROs to advance method development, qualification, transfer and validation for Avidity programs.
• Provides a detailed review of protocols, reports and raw data for analytical method qualification/validation, release testing and reference materials qualification.
• Implements novel analytical techniques to overcome analytical challenges in the characterization of oligonucleotides.
• Documents experiments in electronic notebooks and writes technical reports summarizing findings.
• Authors or reviews relevant regulatory submissions.
• Provides updates and presents data proactively and regularly in group and CMC meetings.
• Ensures adherence to applicable regulations, including FDA, EMA, ICH, GMP and internal Avidity policies.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to laboratory research associates.
• Contributes to the company's core values: agile, visionary, integrated and diverse.

What We Seek

• Minimum PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences with 1‑3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience or BS/MS degree with 8‑10 years of industry experience.
• Deep knowledge of oligonucleotide analytical separation techniques.
• Understanding of method qualification/validation and transfer to QC. Experience in GMP or QC laboratory a plus.
• Proven track record of effective collaboration with external quality control and contract manufacturing organizations.
• Proven ability to thrive and enable success in a cross‑functional and collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate constructive, expedient problem‑solving.
• Ability to multi‑task, manage conflict and work in a fast‑paced environment.

What We Will Provide To You

• The base salary range for this role is $119,700 - $222,300. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Avidity offers competitive compensation and benefits, which includes the opportunity for annual bonus as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision and LTD, and four weeks of time off.

Additional Details

• Title: Scientist II, Analytical Development (Oligonucleotide)
• Location: Onsite
• Position Type: Full Time / Exempt
• Department: Analytical Development & Formulation
• ID: 3106-2026-1