Senior Research Associate, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Tessera Therapeutics; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Tessera Therapeutics is seeking a skilled professional in Somerville, MA to perform small-scale, high-throughput production of guide RNA and optimize synthesis/purification methods for scalable manufacturing.

You will collaborate with the Internal Manufacturing team during process transfer and participate in cross-functional teams while documenting results. Strong communication and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years (BS) or 3+ years (MS) of relevant industry experience
• Experience with upstream and downstream processing of oligonucleotides
• Must have experience with Mermade192 and Mermade12 synthesizers
• Äkta100 oligonucleotide synthesizer is a plus
• Experience with HPLC purification and analytics of guide RNA preferred
• Experience with enzymatic ligation techniques is a plus
• Experience using ELNs to document experimental results is a plus

Responsibilities

• Performing small scale, high throughput internal production of guide RNA to support platform research and pre-clinical activities
• Optimizing synthetic reactions and purification methods of drug candidates to ensure scalable and cost-effective processes for oligonucleotide manufacturing
• Working in collaboration with the Internal Manufacturing team during process transfer
• Participating in cross-functional teams and training to gain familiarity in all stages of oligonucleotide research and manufacturing

Skills

Oligonucleotide processing

Mermade192

Mermade12

Äkta100

HPLC purification

RNA analytics

Enzymatic ligation

ELNs documentation

Education

BS/MS in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Mermade192

Mermade12

Äkta100

HPLC

Job description

Somerville, Massachusetts, United States

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years (BS) or 3+ years (MS) of relevant industry experience
• Experience with upstream and downstream processing of oligonucleotides
• Must have experience with Mermade192 and Mermade12 synthesizers
• Experience with Äkta100 oligonucleotide synthesizer is a plus
• Experience with HPLC purification and analytics of guide RNA preferred
• Experience with enzymatic ligation techniques is a plus
• Experience using ELNs to document experimental results is a plus

You are interested in

• Performing small scale, high throughput internal production of guide RNA to support platform research and pre-clinical activities
• Optimizing synthetic reactions and purification methods of drug candidates to ensure scalable and cost-effective processes for oligonucleotide manufacturing
• Working in collaboration with the Internal Manufacturing team during process transfer
• Participating in cross-functional teams and training to gain familiarity in all stages of oligonucleotide research and manufacturing

About you:

You are a skilled and self-motivated individual who can optimize and implement processes for synthesizing and purifying complex oligonucleotides. You can operate in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot instruments, and document operations independently and as part of a team. You will have the opportunity to organize and present results within the group and interface with other teams, so strong communication skills are critical. You enjoy overcoming challenges in collaboration with colleagues.

Tessera employees are creative and collaborative problem solvers. They have a strong sense of integrity and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence.

Meet your Manager:

Cody obtained a Masters in Chemistry at Michigan State University, focusing on organometallic catalysis. He has over 9 years of experience working at CROs and CDMOs, most recently being Nitto Avecia where he served as a project lead in the oligonucleotide process development group. At Tessera, he leads a team involved in the development and production of oligonucleotide drug substances, both internally and externally.

As Head of Talent Management at Tessera Therapeutics, Ben leads Tessera’s talent strategy across talent acquisition, performance management, and talent mobility.

Ben began his career as an in vivo Pharmacologist, which gave him a lasting appreciation for the rigor, creativity, and collaboration that drive scientific discovery. That foundation continues to shape how he helps build organizations designed to enable science thrive.

Ben is focused on aligning exceptional people with bold science - creating the structure, clarity, and culture that empower teams to scale effectively and achieve meaningful impact.

Compensation:

The stated base salary range represents Tessera’s good-faith estimate for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors, including but not limited to individual qualifications, years of relevant experience, internal compensation alignment, and external market data.

Tessera offers a competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits currently include group medical, vision, and dental coverage; group life and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with company contribution; tuition reimbursement; and more.

This position is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus and equity grants as part of Tessera’s total rewards program.

Per Year Salary Range: $90,000 - $108,000 USD

Company Summary:

Tessera Therapeutics is pioneering Gene Writing - a new biotechnology designed to offer scientists and clinicians the ability to write small and large therapeutic messages into the genome, thereby curing diseases at their source. Gene Writing holds the potential to become a new category in genetic medicine, building upon recent breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing while eliminating important limitations in their reach, utilization, and efficacy.

More about Tessera Therapeutics:

Tessera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic identified by federal, state, or local laws where we operate. Tessera provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. To begin an interactive dialogue with Tessera regarding a reasonable accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied, please contact the recruiter or [e-mail]