Oligonucleotide Scientist II

This on-site Scientist II role focuses on oligonucleotide discovery and synthesis within a nucleic acid design and discovery team. The position supports a growing oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery group and contributes to RNAi biology research across multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology, and oncology.

Responsibilities

• Work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research laboratory to design, synthesize, and optimize oligonucleotide compounds.
• Interface with project teams across therapeutic areas such as neuroscience, immunology, and oncology to help build and support a comprehensive oligonucleotide therapeutic portfolio.
• Apply and, where possible, troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis workflows, including impurity profiling and optimization of synthetic routes.
• Collaborate with other scientists to operate and maintain common laboratory equipment, including automated oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
• Perform literature reviews to stay current with advances in nucleic acid chemistry and integrate new concepts into experimental design.
• Propose and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans that align with project objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate chemistry and biology data to support the progression of oligonucleotide compounds through discovery and preclinical stages.
• Establish and optimize methods for scaled-up synthesis of lead oligonucleotide molecules suitable for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Coordinate and manage material delivery of oligonucleotide candidates for preclinical studies, ensuring quality and timely supply.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory to meet project milestones and timelines for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Contribute positively to an interdisciplinary and collaborative team culture within the nucleic acid design and discovery group.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligo synthesizers.
• Practical expertise in novel nucleic acid chemistry applied to oligonucleotide design and modification.
• Experience in oligonucleotide purification and characterization using HPLC.
• Experience in oligonucleotide characterization using mass spectrometry.
• Ability to troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis processes, including impurity profiling.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD (BS/MS/PhD) in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills applied to nucleic acid chemistry and drug discovery.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated in scientific discussions and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Solid organizational skills to manage multiple experiments and projects in parallel.
• High level of motivation and initiative in a research and discovery setting.

Skills

• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in research and development of RNAi therapeutics.
• Understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, including different oligonucleotide formats and mechanisms.
• Knowledge of modification chemistries relevant to nucleic acid therapeutics, such as backbone and sugar modifications.
• Familiarity with sequence selection strategies and mechanism-of-action considerations for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience in large molecule drug discovery, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience with oligonucleotide delivery strategies, including formulation or targeting approaches.
• Experience with bio-conjugation techniques involving oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary team working at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site in a laboratory setting in South San Francisco, California. The position follows a standard Monday to Friday schedule with an eight-hour workday. The work environment centers on a nucleic acid design and discovery laboratory equipped with automated oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, desalting units, and mass spectrometry instrumentation. The scientist works closely with colleagues in an interdisciplinary team that spans chemistry and biology, supporting projects in neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. The culture emphasizes collaboration, high scientific rigor, and productivity to meet timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

Standard Monday to Friday schedule with an eight-hour workday.