Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Job Title

Oligonucleotide Scientist II (Contract Role)

South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

One Round (30 minutes) F2F Interview

We are seeking a creative, self‑motivated, collaborative Contractor/Scientist II to join the Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery (NADD) team within the Protein Sciences (PS) department. The role supports our new oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery group, with a focus on RNAi biology research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates with experience in oligonucleotide discovery, synthesis, large molecule drug discovery, and delivery are preferred.

• Work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research lab and interface across therapeutic areas including neuroscience, immunology and oncology to develop comprehensive discovery strategies.
• Perform troubleshooting and improvement of oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiling.
• Collaborate with scientists to maintain lab equipment such as oligo synthesizers, HPLC and desalting units.
• Conduct literature reviews, propose and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans, and coordinate chemistry and biology data to support compound progression.
• Establish methods for scaled‑up synthesis of lead molecules and coordinate material delivery for preclinical studies.
• Maintain high productivity to meet timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies.

• Hands‑on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and novel nucleic acid chemistry, purification and characterization using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry or related discipline.
• Experience in research and development of RNAi therapeutics in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry preferred.
• Good understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, modification chemistries, sequence selection, and mechanism of action; experience in large‑molecule drug discovery, delivery or bio‑conjugation is desirable.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, problem‑solving, analytical and organizational skills.