Chemist II

Boston, MA • Non-exempt

Typically Monday through Friday, forty hours per week. Must be flexible to meet department needs and complete other projects as assigned.

About the role

The Chemist II assists with synthesis and downstream processing of oligo synthesis using various analytical techniques, including FPLC, HPLC, and LC-MS. This role involves working on multiple projects simultaneously and staying current with new modifications of oligonucleotides.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the synthesis of oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers, following established protocols, ensuring accuracy in reagent preparation and reaction conditions.
• Perform purification of oligonucleotides using techniques such as FPLC and HPLC, monitoring purification processes to achieve high-quality results.
• Conduct analytical assays to verify the quality and identity of synthesized oligonucleotides using LC-MS.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results, ensuring compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance and use general laboratory equipment, including pipettors, centrifuges, incubators, biological safety cabinets, and balances.
• Collaborate with senior chemists and team members to support ongoing projects and review literature to stay current on new methods for oligonucleotides.
• Work closely with the RNAi scale-up chemistry team to understand and validate requirements for synthesis scale-up and downstream processing.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and suggest technical solutions to clients and management.
• Follow guidelines set forth by clients and company Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Comply with clients’ and company management systems in accordance with appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Use software including instrument-specific tools for data capture and analysis, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams/SharePoint), LIMS, and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Perform detailed record-keeping of daily experiments in ELNs.
• Other duties as defined by the Manager, department needs, and workload.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 1–2 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 0–1 year of experience.
• Experience with oligonucleotides is helpful.

Skills

• Hands-on experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS, UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, and Water’s QDA.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and equipment (pipetting, mass spectrometry, chromatography).
• Basic understanding of chemistry, stoichiometry, and chemical synthesis.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with team members and conveying technical information clearly.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet or exceed deadlines.
• Proficiency with Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, and high level of engagement.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Champions and adheres to company values, including team engagement.

Pay

$36.00–$40.00 per hour. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as location, education, experience, and skillset.