Development Scientist – Nucleic Acid Chemistry
The Organic Synthesis Division at New England Biolabs (NEB) is seeking a Development Scientist to work with an experienced scientific staff on product and process development projects related to nucleic acid chemistry, bioconjugation and solid phase surface modification. Successful candidates will have deep knowledge and practical expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and characterization (specifically, high resolution mass spectrometry) of oligonucleotides.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to discover and implement novel and efficient ways to synthesize, purify, and characterize oligos at various scales in a high throughput environment, using multiple approaches/platforms.
- Develop and execute studies including proof-of-concept, feasibility, activity/stability, specification, optimization, and validation of target biomolecules/processes.
- Be responsible for programming, operating and maintaining relevant instrumentation, generating SOPs and to effectively cross-train colleagues on methodologies.
- Develop new and leverage existing chemistries and processes to conjugate nucleosides/nucleic acids/enzymes/small molecules to particles and surfaces.
- Contribute as a member of the production team responsible for timely manufacturing of a diverse line of products, managing the technical support of launched products and kit components in support of catalog and OEM sales.
- Prioritize and perform work independently while balancing multiple priorities/projects, be self-motivated and capable of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Advanced degree; ideally in analytical chemistry/biological chemistry/organic chemistry
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting demonstrating proficiency in synthesis, purification and characterization of relevant small molecules (modified nucleosides/nucleotides), biomolecules (oligonucleotides), and/or bioconjugates.
- Deep knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry as well as downstream processing and High Resolution Accurate Mass (HRAM) analysis of oligos required.
- Experience developing and validating various chromatography-based purification methodologies (affinity, reversed phase, normal phase, ion exchange) as well as analysis methods in the area of biologics and molecular biology workflows.
- Thorough understanding of and proficiency with operating common laboratory equipment such as Analytical/Preparative Scale HPLC, FPLC, Flash Chromatography, LC-MS, QTOF MS, NMR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy, Capillary Electrophoresis, and DNA/RNA synthesizers.
- A strong team player with the ability to build relationships, collaborate and gain support from others, adept at presenting scientific information to an audience with a wide spectrum of expertise.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Subject matter expertise in analytical characterization of oligonucleotides using (LC-)HRAM in Agilent MassHunter/BioConfirm software highly preferred.
- Experience with bioconjugation and/or various techniques for functionalization of solid supports, beads and resins.
- Knowledge/experience programming and maintaining instrumentation such as liquid handling robots (i.e. Tecan) and automated DNA synthesizers (i.e. Dr. Oligo and/or AKTA Oligo Pilot).
In order to be considered for this position, please submit your resume directly to us using the job link in our Handshake job posting.
NEB currently requires all employees located in the United States to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. New hires must be fully vaccinated prior to the first date of employment. NEB will consider requests for reasonable accommodations, as required by applicable law.