Senior Scientist – R&D Oligo Synthesis

. Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and conjugation for R&D projects .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $172,500 per yearWebsite

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform automated oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and conjugation for R&D projects
Purify oligonucleotides using chromatographic techniques
Characterize oligonucleotides using physicochemical techniques
Participate in basic research projects exploiting novel oligonucleotide properties in R&D assays
Conduct oligonucleotide analysis using LCMS, MALDI, UV/VIS, and HPLC/UPLC
Evaluate and identify impurities, degradation products, and synthesis by-products
Establish analytical protocols and support their implementation
Lead and execute complex experiments, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, results communication, and follow-up experiment design
Own subproject or project goals and deliverables
Provide guidance and direction on experimental work
Interact with peers and supervisors to provide experimental summaries, design input, and ancillary team support
Maintain clearly written experimental records in written and electronic formats
Present work internally or at scientific conferences and write scientific papers
Potentially manage one or more personnel and represent R&D on a product-development Core Team
Collaborate with junior employees, peers, and cross-functional teams across the organization

What you’ll need

B.A. / B.S. in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
M.S. in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
7-9 years post-baccalaureate laboratory experience; industrial experience preferred
6-8 years laboratory experience post-M.S. without thesis; industrial experience preferred
5-7 years laboratory experience post M.S. with thesis; industrial experience preferred
Ph.D. with no post-doctoral research experience or 4-6 years industrial experience
Ph.D. with post-doctoral research experience and 3-5 years industrial experience
Expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry
Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, standard phosphonamidite chemistry, chromatographic purification, and oligonucleotide conjugation
Experience with LCMS, MALDI, UV/VIS, HPLC/UPLC, impurity and degradation-product analysis, and analytical protocol development
Familiarity with standard software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and reporting
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with junior employees, peers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams
Ability to present work internally or at scientific conferences and write scientific papers

Comp & perks