Scientist III (Oligonucleotide/Peptide Purification Development)

The Fountain Group; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a motivated scientist with process development expertise to advance purification technologies for oligonucleotide and peptide therapeutics. You will design, optimize, and transfer scalable purification processes, including chromatography, UF/DF, and related steps, working with cross-functional teams across Synthesis, Drug Product, and Manufacturing.

Applicants should have hands-on chromatography and analytical skills, experience with HPLC/UV, and a collaborative

Qualifications

• Degree in a life science field with 2–4 years of industry experience, or Master’s with 0–2 years.
• Background in purification of proteins, oligonucleotides, and/or peptides.
• Hands-on column chromatography and UF/DF experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, characterize, scale up, and transfer purification processes for oligonucleotides and peptides.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support IND documentation and tech transfer.
• Plan and execute experiments with DoE and data analysis to improve purity and robustness.

Skills

Process development

Purification of proteins/peptides/olig

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related life science

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Unicorn software

DoE

Statistical analysis

Job description

Details for the positionare as follows:

• Location: Cambridge, MA -100% onsite
• Rate: $45-55 an hour
• 6-month contract to potential FTE position

Job Description:

• We are seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist with process development experience to join the Oligonucleotide/Peptide Purification Development team. This role offers hands‑on experience designing and developing robust, high‑purity manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial therapeutics, with a focus on advancing oligonucleotide and peptide purification technologies.
• Develop, optimize, characterize, scale up, and transfer purification processes for oligonucleotide and peptide drug candidates, including chromatography, detritylation, and UF/DF operations. Utilize multiple chromatography modes and ultrafiltration while gaining experience with chemical cleavage, conjugation, and hybridization processes. Investigate new purification technologies to improve product purity, process robustness, and productivity. Support early- and late‑stage process characterization and robustness studies, troubleshooting, root‑cause investigations, pilot‑scale activities, GMP manufacturing, and technology transfer. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Synthesis, Drug Product, Analytical, Research, Manufacturing, MS, and tech transfer teams. Author development reports and CMC sections for INDs, review technical documentation, provide manufacturing‑floor support, and assist with training and mentoring new employees.
• Proven ability to plan and execute experiments and technical projects with strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills. Hands‑on laboratory experience purifying proteins, peptides, and/or DNA/RNA using column chromatography, such as ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and/or reversed‑phase chromatography, as well as UF/DF. Experience analyzing proteins, peptides, and/or DNA/RNA; HPLC and UV/Vis spectroscopy experience preferred. AKTA purification systems, Unicorn software, Design of Experiments (DoE), and statistical analysis experience are pluses. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related life science field with 2–4 years of industry experience, or a Master’s degree with 0–2 years of industry experience.
• Background in process development and purification of proteins, oligonucleotides, and/or peptides.
• Hands‑on experience with column chromatography, including techniques such as ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and/or reversed‑phase chromatography, as well as UF/DF.
• Experience analyzing proteins, peptides, and/or DNA/RNA, preferably using HPLC and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Proven ability to plan and execute projects and experiments successfully.
• Strong technical proficiency and demonstrated creativity in developing purification technologies and approaches.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AKTA purification systems and Unicorn software.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Experience with statistical analysis.