Description
We are seeking a Process Discovery Chemist to join our oligonucleotide synthesis lab. As a Process Discovery Chemist, you will play a critical role in bridging early discovery-stage chemistry with the process rigor needed to reliably deliver in vivo study material.
Responsibilities:
- Lead process discovery for oligonucleotide therapeutics, developing and troubleshooting SPOS routes from milligram to gram scale for ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and next-generation amidite chemistries.
- Generate in vivo study material at rodent and NHP scale using an ÄKTA Oligosynt synthesizer, ensuring synthesis and purification strategies translate cleanly from discovery into larger-scale production.
- Develop and optimize chromatography and purification strategies that scale from milligram discovery quantities through gram-scale campaigns.
- Perform hands-on method development, establish oligo synthesis and purification workflows, and draft SOPs that bridge discovery chemistry and process/scale-up needs.
- Serve as the oligo synthesis and process discovery SME for the team, representing process chemistry in various cross-matrix meetings.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, and purification to ensure high-quality, reproducible in vivo-grade material.
- Partner with the oligo analytical and conjugate chemistry teams to ensure accountability and excellence in oligonucleotide and conjugate synthesis.
- Collaborate and communicate across discovery, process, and analytical teams to build robust, scalable workflows and deliver on portfolio endpoints.
Requirements:
- PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field, with 2–4+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide process chemistry, process discovery, or related synthesis/process roles.
- Hands-on experience with solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) at milligram-to-gram scale, including method development, chromatography, and purification strategies that support larger-scale synthesis.
- General familiarity with mid-scale synthesizers, such as ÄKTA Oligosynt and Mermade12, ÄKTA Avant and Pure purification systems with Unicorn software, and LC/HRMS, UPLC, LC/MS analytics.
- Expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) and biological familiarity with RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors), with the ability to generate in vivo rodent- and NHP-scale API0.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum PhD with 4+ years of experience in oligonucleotide process chemistry, process discovery, oligo chemistry, or related fields.
- Direct experience generating in vivo study material (rodent and/or NHP scale) in a discovery or process development environment.
- Experience translating discovery-stage synthesis routes into larger-scale synthesis and purification strategies.
- Prior experience with scientific and professional mentorship and project management.
- Team-focused with strong initiative and ability to troubleshoot challenges and implement new solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team are required.
- Experience with oligonucleotide conjugation chemistries is desirable but not required.
- Sense of urgency, flexibility, independence and accountability.
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels both inside and outside of the organization.
- Maintain a high level of integrity while balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities.
- Must be a committed team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture.
Location and Working Arrangement: This position is full-time and on-site in the United States. Specific site location will be shared during the application process. Candidates must be willing to work in a laboratory environment.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary: $121,275 to $202,125 per year
- Annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share-based long-term incentive program
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health care and other insurance benefits, retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave