Scientist II, Oligonucleotides

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

BioMarin is seeking a Scientist II, Bioconjugation Chemist to contribute to cutting-edge nucleic acid-based therapeutics and bioconjugates. You will design, synthesize, and optimize bioconjugates such as ADCs and AOCs, applying strong organic chemistry and analytical skills in a collaborative setting.

The role requires a PhD with bioconjugation focus and 3–5 years of relevant experience, plus proficiency in HPLC, LC-MS, and protein/biomolecule analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry/biochemistry with bioconjugation focus.
• 3–5 years postdoc/industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry.
• Strong research and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proven track record designing and synthesizing bioconjugates (AOCs, ADCs).
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques for bioconjugates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage in project team discussions; provide subject-matter expertise.
• Collaborate with bioconjugation specialists, chemists, and biologists.
• Design and synthesize bioconjugates (AOCs, peptide conjugates).
• Develop and optimize conjugation methodologies and purification processes.
• Characterize bioconjugates using HPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with Biology, Pharmacology, and Process Development teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Present findings to internal teams and at meetings.
• Stay current with advancements in bioconjugation chemistry.

Skills

Bioconjugation

Organic synthesis

Analytical characterization

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry (bioconjugation focus)

3–5 years postdoc/industry bioconjugation experience

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

SDS-PAGE

Spectroscopy

Job description

Who We Are

BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions.

Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people’s lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions.

Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world-class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.

About Worldwide Research and Development

From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our R&D engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with rare diseases.

Scientist II, Bioconjugation Chemist Job Summary

BioMarin is seeking a dedicated and skilled Scientist II specializing in bioconjugation chemistry to contribute to our cutting-edge research and development efforts in nucleic acid-based therapeutics. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and synthesizing bioconjugates, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-oligo conjugates (AOCs), and other complex biomolecules. This role requires a strong background in organic chemistry, bioconjugation techniques, and analytical characterization methods. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, working on projects that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage actively in project team discussions across the organization, providing subject matter expertise to support the progression of research projects and the development of new methodologies.
• Work synergistically with multidisciplinary teams, including bioconjugation specialists, chemists, and biologists, to drive project success and foster a collaborative research environment.
• Design and synthesize bioconjugates such as antibody-oligo conjugates (AOCs), peptide conjugates, and other complex biomolecules.
• Develop and optimize conjugation methodologies and purification processes.
• Characterize bioconjugates using various analytical techniques, including HPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, and spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Biology, Pharmacology, and Process Development, to support preclinical and clinical programs.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and documentation.
• Present research findings to internal teams and at scientific meetings.
• Stayup-to-datewith the latest advancements in bioconjugation chemistry and related fields.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with a focus on bioconjugation techniques and organic synthesis.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience or industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry.
• Strong enthusiasm for scientific research and innovation, coupled with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Proven track record in designing and synthesizing bioconjugates, including AOCs and peptide conjugates.
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques for characterizing bioconjugates.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Why Join BioMarin?

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge biopharmaceuticals that make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and professional development opportunities.
• Located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area with access to a vibrant scientific community.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and advancing research programs.
• Strong enthusiasm for scientific research and innovation, coupled with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of advancements in oligonucleotide chemistry and related fields, with a willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.
• Expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis and purification, with a strong track record of successful project outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present data and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Style

• This is an onsite daily role in San Rafael, CA.
• This role will have a daily presence in our Research labs executing experiments.
• This position represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to BioMarin's mission of developing innovative therapies for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. We look forward to welcoming a passionate and skilled oligonucleotide chemist to our team.

Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Ireland Safety Responsibility

Support the organization’s commitment to environmental protection, injury prevention, and continual improvement of EHS management systems. Actively contribute to a safe and environmentally responsible workplace by identifying hazards, reporting incidents and participating in EHS initiatives and training.