Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Process Development

N-Lorem; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

403(b)

four weeks paid vacation

paid sick time

life insurance

employee assistance program

Job summary

n-Lorem Foundation is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and action-oriented Scientist / Senior Scientist to support discovery and development programs, with a primary focus on manufacturing oligonucleotides at small-scale non-GMP and support GMP manufacturing for preclinical and clinical studies.

This role serves as a key scientific interface between Preclinical Development, CMC, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide synthesis or nucleic acid chemistry; 5+ years for Sr. Scientist level.
• Knowledge of phosphoramidite chemistry and solid‑phase synthesis principles.
• Experience with automated synthesizers (AKTA, Mermade-12).
• Experience with preparative purification (AKTA Pure/Avant).
• Experience with HPLC and analytical instrumentation (LC‑MS preferred).
• Familiarity with lyophilization processes.
• Proficiency in laboratory documentation and data analysis.
• Basic understanding of GMP principles as it relates to ICH Q7.

Responsibilities

• Perform small-scale solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers.
• Prepare and handle reagents, phosphoramidites, and solid supports.
• Monitor synthesis performance and troubleshoot coupling efficiency or instrument issues.
• Conduct cleavage and deprotection reactions according to established protocols.
• Purify crude oligonucleotides using HPLC, cartridge purification, or desalting.
• Analyze products using UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC-MS.
• Interpret analytical data to confirm identity, purity, and yield.
• Concentrate and buffer‑exchange oligonucleotides as required.
• Prepare oligonucleotide samples for freeze‑drying.
• Operate lyophilizer equipment and ensure proper cycle parameters.
• Accurately weigh, aliquot, and label final products.
• Maintain sample traceability and storage under appropriate conditions.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and batch records.
• Document deviations, observations, and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with developing and following non‑GMP work instructions.
• Assist with GMP documentation review and communication with CDMOs.

Skills

Oligonucleotide synthesis

Automated synthesizers

HPLC/LC-MS

GMP awareness

Documentation

Laboratory management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or related

Tools

AKTA

Mermade-12

AKTA Pure/Avant

LC-MS

Job description

n-Lorem Foundation is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and action-oriented Scientist / Senior Scientist to support discovery and development programs, with a primary focus on manufacturing oligonucleotides at small-scale non-GMP and support GMP manufacturing for preclinical and clinical studies.

This role serves as a key scientific interface between Preclinical Development, CMC, and internal teams.