Senior Scientist (Oligonucleotide Conjugation)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated conjugation chemist to expand the pre-clinical oligonucleotide conjugation capabilities of the Genetic Medicines team, with a focus on protein-oligonucleotide, small molecule-oligonucleotide, and peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates. This role supports Amgen's pipeline of siRNA-based therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, synthesizing, purifying, and analytically characterizing oligonucleotide conjugates-including optimizing synthesis/conjugation/purification protocols.
• Drive technical execution of conjugation projects from start to finish and perform hands-on conjugate synthesis (developing and optimizing conjugation strategies and purification methods).
• Serve as an oligonucleotide conjugation subject-matter expert (SME) in cross-functional team meetings.
• Train as needed, collaborate with the Genetic Medicines group and cross-functional teams to meet project objectives and timelines.
• Prepare research results for presentations, patent applications, and scientific publications.
• The candidate should be motivated to expand their skillset, have a flexible mindset and willing to learn oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Prepare oligonucleotides as needed.
• Collaborate with biology and analytical teams to conduct biophysical/biochemical assays (e.g. ELISA, SPR, FRET, BLI, DSF, DLS) to evaluate target binding, stability, and additional oligonucleotide conjugate properties.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and remain complaint on safety & required training.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate degree OR
• Masters degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline and 2 years of industry experience in biotech/pharma with specific experience in oligonucleotide conjugation e.g. designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligo conjugates of small molecules, linkers, peptides, proteins, etc. OR
• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline and 4 years of experience in biotech/pharma with specific experience in oligonucleotide conjugation e.g. designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligo conjugates of small molecules, linkers, peptides, proteins, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in conjugation chemistries and site-specific bioconjugation techniques, along with familiarity with RNA therapeutic modalities (ASO, siRNA, etc.).
• Proficiency in preparative and analytical chromatography techniques (IEX, RP-HPLC, SEC, LCMS) for oligonucleotides, and conjugates thereof, is required.
• Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and associated processes (on-resin conjugation, cleavage & deprotection, desalting, formulation) is a plus.
• Must demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and have strong communication/teamwork skills in a dynamic environment.