Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry

At Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where your unique viewpoint matters. By harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact—innovating at the speed of life.

Our team is united by a commitment to collaboration and scientific excellence, building on a strong foundation of innovation, expertise, and reliability. Guided by our vision to help researchers rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances, we work closely with global partners to accelerate progress and genomics breakthroughs across fields like cancer, infectious disease, rare genetic disorders, and more.

This position reports to the Director of Emerging Technologies and is part of the Emerging Technologies Team located in Sunnyvale, CA. It is an on-site role.

About the role

The Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry is responsible for contributing hands-on scientific expertise to the development, optimization, and characterization of oligonucleotide synthesis processes. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in organic chemistry—particularly phosphoramidite chemistry—and strong analytical skills, including high-resolution LC-MS, to support high-quality oligo production and continuous process improvement. This role plays a critical part in advancing core technology platforms, enabling new products and services, and driving scientific and commercial impact.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize oligonucleotide synthesis workflows with a strong focus on phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase synthesis.
• Apply organic chemistry principles to improve synthesis efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Develop and optimize post-synthesis process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification (e.g., cartridge, HPLC, or other relevant methods).
• Utilize high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and complementary analytical techniques to assess oligo identity, purity, and failure modes.
• Contribute to evaluation and implementation of new reagents, chemistries, or process improvements for oligo synthesis platforms.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide synthesis or closely related chemistry.
• Strong practical expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase oligo synthesis.
• Demonstrated experience using LC-MS (high-resolution preferred) to characterize oligos and diagnose synthesis or process issues.
• Proven experience optimizing synthesis or downstream process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification.
• Track record of safe laboratory practices.

Travel & Physical/Environment Requirements

• Ability to travel 10% of the time, domestically and internationally.
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, or carry equipment up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to frequently work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in high-throughput biology, automation, and NGS-based analysis.
• Experience working with prototype instrumentation and collaborating with engineers.
• Environmental health and safety coordination experience.

Benefits

IDT, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to employees' lives. These include health care programs, paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. For more details, visit Danaher Benefits Info.

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $135,000-$160,000. This range may be modified in the future. The role is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.