Job DescriptionThe role of an Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist within the Innovation Hub team in Petaluma, CA, USA. Is to develop and / or improve synthesis, deprotection, purification, modification, and analysis methods and processes to enable the introduction of new oligonucleotide related products and the transfer of these into manufacturing.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and Quality Management policies and processes.
- Is the Technical Lead in Oligonucleotide NPD and / or custom / co-creation projects.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support both IH and Operations project deliverables.
- Core function is to act as the technical oligonucleotide chemistry lead and contribute to the development and delivery of new oligonucleotide-based technologies and applications
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, project plan and execute development projects.
- Independently develop synthesis methods to enable the delivery of custom / co-creation / NPD oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers and manual techniques.
- Independently develop and optimize methods for oligonucleotide modification and conjugation (on-column and post synthesis and deprotection).
- Independently develop and optimize purification methods for various modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
- Perform analytical characterization of oligonucleotides using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and other relevant techniques.
- Troubleshoot synthesis, deprotection and purification processes to resolve manufacturing issues and / or improve yield and quality.
- Independently generate documentation package to support operations effective control and transfer into manufacturing
- Act as the subject matter expert post tech transfer and assist with chemistry troubleshooting.
- Maintain accurate records of experiments and results in accordance with laboratory protocols
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders. Effective communication at all business and technical levels.
Qualifications- Master's degree in chemistry or a relevant field plus a minimum of 10 years industrial experience in modified oligonucleotide chemistry or demonstrated equivalence.
- Extensive knowledge and in lab practice with oligonucleotide chemistries, protocols and analysis. Demonstrated experience in synthesis, deprotection, purification, post synthesis conjugation techniques and analysis/characterization of oligonucleotides.
- Proven expertise in using automated synthesizers and manual synthesis methods. Ideally with experience in a variety of synthesis platforms such as, but not limited to, MerMade, Dr Oligo, Shasta, K&A, OligoMaker, AKTA.
- Full comprehension of all steps within the synthesis cycle and impact of changes to methods, cycle times and reagents to the fit, form and function of the oligonucleotide. Seasoned ability to predict oligonucleotide impurity profiles resulting from processing changes
- Full comprehension of all deprotection schemes and resulting chemical conformations and degradation products.
- Full comprehension of non-compatible chemistry within the oligo and in subsequent processing.
- Full comprehension of oligonucleotide purification chemistries
- Proficiency in analytical techniques, particularly HPLC and mass spectrometry.
- Demonstrated extensive problem-solving experience.
- Ability to optimize complex chemical processes and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
- Ability to make data driven recommendations and decisions.
- Excellent data analysis and interpretation abilities
- Experience with quality control procedures and GMP regulations
- Understanding of nucleic acid therapeutics and diagnostics applications
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Additional InformationThe typical pay range for this role is:
Minimum: $93,750
Maximum: $156,250
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California -based position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as: experience, skills, and location.
