Senior Scientist , Process Development

Axolabs is a business unit of LGC, and a leading provider of CRO / CDMO capability to the therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery and development industry. Centred out of LGC’s site in Kulmbach, Germany, Axolabs works closely with its customers to assist the identification and development of lead candidates with a broad suite of bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, manufacturing and analytical services that support discovery, pre-clinical and clinical trials and scale-up manufacture.

With a track record in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics that traces back more than 20 years, Axolabs provides deep knowledge and expertise in the services it provides, working collaboratively and responsively with its clients to assist them in achieving their objectives.

Axolabs facility in Petaluma is focused on manufacturing scale-up and production to cGMP of multigram to kilograms of API for pre-clinical and clinical development. Our site in California has been involved in oligonucleotide synthesis for three decades and established the therapeutics activity in 2019. With around 70 staff and two manufacturing trains, Axolabs offers a flexible manufacturing service out of Petaluma that draws where necessary on our industry and chemical and analytical expertise in Kulmbach.

The Senior Scientist in LGC Axolabs Process Development will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in scale up/down solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, concentration, conjugation, and downstream processing steps in preparation for handover to routine manufacturing. This role involves leading process development initiatives, providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams, and engaging with clients to ensure successful and timely execution of each assigned program.

LGC Axolabs has an extensive, ever-evolving global client base along with impressive technical capabilities within a state-of-the-art GMP facility. As the needs for the organization continue to grow, we are seeking technically adept and highly motivated candidates who can contribute to innovative solutions in oligonucleotide process development. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, proficient in advanced chemistry techniques, and experienced in oligonucleotide manufacturing.

This role requires strong problem-solving skills, technical leadership, and direct interaction with clients to support their project needs.

Routine tasks include leading process development of all unit operations of custom oligonucleotide manufacturing including but not limited to: solid phase synthesis, cleavage and deprotection, preparative HPLC purification, conjugation chemistry, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and lyophilization according to established project timelines. Also included will be sample preparation of samples to the Analytical Development Team and technical support provided to the manufacturing team for relevant programs.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in process development of oligonucleotide APIs, including research and implementation of novel techniques.
• Independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments, including use of DoE techniques.
• Lead technical discussions with internal teams and clients to define development strategies, troubleshoot challenges, and drive project deliverables.
• Author and review technical documentation, including client updates, project plans, QPPs, TDRs, and SOPs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Analytical Development, Quality Control, and Manufacturing) to integrate development solutions into oligonucleotide production workflows.
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant regulatory and pharmacopeia guidelines (FDA/ICH/USP) to ensure compliance across tech transfer activities.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists, supporting skill development and scientific excellence within the team.

Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry,…