PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field; MS or BS with significant experience acceptable.
Proven expertise in phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry and platform development.
Desirable experience in biotech or pharma R&D environments.
Strong grasp of DNA chip technologies and synthetic biology applications.
Hands-on experience with NGS workflows and data analysis is highly desirable.
Familiarity with software scripting for synthesis automation is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on cross-functional projects.
Responsibilities
Contribute to CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis workflow development and optimization.
Develop and troubleshoot electrochemical synthesis protocols and hardware.
Investigate surface functionalization strategies to enhance synthesis efficiency.
Collaborate on building prototype testbeds integrating chemistry, fluidics, and hardware.
Operate NGS-based analytical pipelines for oligonucleotide quality assessment.
Analyze data leveraging molecular biology and organic chemistry techniques.
Facilitate technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing while ensuring process documentation.
Benefits
Work onsite in a collaborative laboratory and office environment.
Opportunity to engage in cutting-edge biotechnology research and development.
Exposure to both R&D and manufacturing processes.
Participate in cross-functional team projects that enhance professional development.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Scientist to join our R&D team focused on advancing our massively parallel, semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform. This scientist will play a central role in developing and optimizing integrated electrochemical DNA synthesis workflows, contributing to both chemistry innovation and product development. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, hands-on experience, and a collaborative spirit to help drive scientific and strategic goals in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
Major contributor to the development and optimization of CMOS chip-based phosphoramidite DNA synthesis workflows.
Develop and optimize electrochemical DNA synthesis protocols, including chip handling, hardware configuration and software integration, and chemistry process to improve synthesis efficiency and fidelity
Execute rigorous failure-mode analysis to systematically identify, diagnose, and resolve multi-variable root causes across hardware, fluidics, surface chemistry, phosphoramidite chemistry and electrochemistry.
Collaborate with engineering and synthesis teams to build and iterate prototype testbeds, integrating chemistry, fluidics, and hardware systems.
Operate NGS-based analytical pipelines for quality assessment of oligonucleotide pools
Analyze experimental data using molecular biology and organic chemistry techniques
Drive technology transfers from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring robust scale-up and process documentation
Help define and execute scientific and technical objectives aligned with company goals
Present experimental plans, results, conclusions, and next steps at group meetings, project team meetings, and company-wide meetings.
Maintain detailed and meticulous records of all experimental work and analysis.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have an advanced degree (PhD or Master) in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Minimum 2 years of biotech or pharma R&D experience for candidates holding a Doctoral degree or minimum 5 years of experience for candidates holding a Master's degree.
Proven track record and proficiency in phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry and platform development.
Experience in oligonucleotide microarray or pool synthesis is highly desirable.
Hands-on experience with NGS workflows and data analysis is highly desirable.
Strong understanding of DNA chip technologies and electrochemistry is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to participate cross-functional projects and collaborate across R&D and manufacturing teams.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Work will be performed onsite in office and laboratory space located in South San Francisco.
Mobility: Must be able to move about the laboratory and office environment regularly. This includes standing and walking for extended periods, often up to 6-8 hours per day.
Manual Dexterity: Must have fine motor skills and steady hands to handle delicate instruments, operate laboratory equipment, pipette accurately, and perform repetitive benchwork with precision.
Lifting/Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally, such as boxes of lab supplies or equipment.
Visual Acuity: Must have sufficient visual acuity to read small print on labels, instrument displays, and computer monitors. Close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus are required.
Environmental Conditions: Frequently exposed to typical laboratory conditions, including biological samples, chemicals, and reagents. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles as required.
