Senior Scientist in Union City, California at HONGENE BIOTECH CORPORATION
Job Description
Senior Scientist – mRNA & Enzymatic Synthesis
Union City, California | Full-Time | Oligonucleotide R&D – mRNA & Enzymatic Synthesis
Pay Range: $103,000–$130,000 per year
Since our founding in 1998, Hongene has been at the forefront of nucleic acid chemistry, earning global recognition for delivering high-purity building blocks that powered the early development of RNA therapeutics. Over the years, we have expanded beyond raw materials to become a trusted CDMO partner for oligonucleotide and mRNA medicines. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation, we continue to scale cutting-edge science — helping our partners advance the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics from discovery to market.
About the Role
As a Senior Scientist – mRNA & Enzymatic Synthesis, you will lead mRNA molecule design and enzymatic platform work on our Oligonucleotide R&D team. Reporting to a Staff Scientist, you'll use advanced ligation methods and in vitro transcription (IVT) to make sgRNA, siRNA, and mRNA, and you'll own your projects from design through delivery.
You'll be the team's go-to expert for enzymatic synthesis, mentoring Chemists and Scientists and working closely with our chemical synthesis colleagues. You'll bring hands-on nucleic acid and molecular biology experience (or a recent Ph.D. with strong training in the field) and the judgment to work independently.
What You'll Do
sgRNA Synthesis and Optimization
- Design, execute, and optimize single guide RNA (sgRNA) production using advanced enzymatic ligation methods to support gene-editing programs.
siRNA Platform Development
- Synthesize and characterize short interfering RNA (siRNA) constructs using Hongene's ligation platform, optimizing yield, purity, and scalability for downstream applications.
mRNA In Vitro Transcription (IVT)
- Develop, execute, and troubleshoot IVT processes under standard and optimized conditions to produce robust, well-characterized mRNA.
Purification and Analytical Characterization
- Purify enzymatic synthesis products using preparative HPLC and related methods.
- Analyze products using analytical HPLC, Fragment Analyzer, PCR-based methods, and other relevant techniques, and interpret the data to assess identity, integrity, and purity.
- Submit samples to QC in accordance with established procedures.
Process Improvement and Troubleshooting
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting of ligation, IVT, and purification workflows, including root-cause analysis of failures.
- Drive continuous improvement of synthesis protocols and purification workflows.
- Contribute to SOP updates, troubleshooting guides, and technical procedures.
Equipment and Laboratory Operations
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot PCR instruments, Fragment Analyzers, analytical and preparative HPLC systems, and associated laboratory equipment.
- Maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations, following SOPs, PPE requirements, and hazardous-waste procedures, and using appropriate practices for handling RNA, enzymes, and biological reagents.
Mentoring and Technical Support
- Mentor and train Chemists, Sr. Chemists, and Scientists in enzymatic synthesis, IVT, and molecular biology techniques.
- Serve as the team's technical resource for enzymatic methods and review data and reports from less-experienced staff.
Collaboration and Documentation
- Collaborate with the Chemistry and Oligonucleotide synthesis teams to combine enzymatic and chemical approaches on projects.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific documentation, and communicate progress, problems, and risks promptly.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Nucleic Acid Chemistry, or a closely related discipline with 0–2 years of industry experience; or a Bachelor's or Master's degree with relevant biotech industry experience (typically a BS with 8+ years or an MS with 6+ years).
- Deep, hands-on experience in nucleic acid chemistry, synthesis workflows, and standard molecular biology protocols.
- Hands-on experience with enzymatic RNA synthesis, such as in vitro transcription and/or enzymatic ligation.
- Demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and analyze data from analytical and preparative equipment, including PCR, Fragment Analyzers, analytical HPLC (e.g., Agilent), and preparative HPLC systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Ability to work on-site in a laboratory in Union City, California.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience producing sgRNA for gene-editing applications.
- Experience with siRNA synthesis or characterization.
- Experience with mRNA process development and characterization.
- Familiarity with chemical (solid-phase) oligonucleotide synthesis.
- Experience with LC-MS characterization of nucleic acids.
- Experience in a CDMO, CRO, or contract-synthesis environment.
- Experience working with Business Development or customers to translate client requirements into practical, scalable scientific deliverables.
- Experience mentoring or training junior chemists or scientists.
Hongene Biotech Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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