Scientist in Union City, California at HONGENE BIOTECH CORPORATION
Job Description
Scientist – Oligonucleotide Synthesis
Union City, California | Full-Time | Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Pay Range: $75,000–$95,000 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 Scientist – Oligonucleotide Synthesis, you will support oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, characterization, process optimization, and scale-up for customer, CRO, and internal projects. Reporting to a Staff Scientist, you'll develop robust, scalable processes, troubleshoot chemistry challenges, and work across teams to move projects forward.
You'll work independently day to day — designing experiments, interpreting data, and driving improvements — with experienced senior scientists available when a problem calls for a second opinion.
What You'll Do
Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Process Development
- Perform and optimize solid-phase synthesis of DNA, RNA, and chemically modified oligonucleotides to improve yield, quality, reproducibility, and scalability.
- Support process scale-up and material generation for customer, research, and internal projects.
- Perform synthesis preparation, cleavage, deprotection, and related downstream processing.
- Complete assigned work accurately and within project and customer timelines.
Purification and Analytical Characterization
- Develop purification methods using RP-HPLC, IEX-HPLC, and other relevant techniques, including ÄKTA chromatography systems.
- Apply HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, and related analytical methods to assess product identity, purity, and impurity profiles.
- Submit samples to QC in accordance with established procedures.
Process Optimization and Troubleshooting
- Investigate synthesis failures, side reactions, and purification challenges through root-cause analysis.
- Design experiments and implement data-driven solutions to improve process robustness, recovery, and reproducibility.
- Seek input from senior scientists on complex or unfamiliar problems.
Equipment and Laboratory Operations
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated oligonucleotide synthesizers, chromatographic systems, and associated laboratory equipment.
- Maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations, following SOPs, PPE requirements, and hazardous-waste procedures.
Technical Documentation and Communication
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including QC, Chemistry/R&D, and manufacturing, and communicate progress, problems, and risks promptly.
- Share know-how with Chemists and Sr. Chemists on established procedures.
Continuous Learning and Technical Innovation
- Evaluate scientific literature, emerging oligonucleotide chemistries, and new technologies to identify opportunities for process and analytical improvements.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline, with relevant oligonucleotide experience (typically a BS with 5+ years or an MS with 3+ years). Ph.D. holders typically enter the ladder at the Sr. Scientist level.
- Hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis, solid-phase synthesis, and phosphoramidite chemistry.
- Experience in oligonucleotide purification method development and analytical characterization.
- Proficiency in analytical and purification techniques, including HPLC/UPLC, ÄKTA chromatography systems, and LC-MS.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team.
- Ability to work on-site in a laboratory in Union City, California.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with oligonucleotide bioconjugation and conjugation to other molecular modalities.
- Experience with phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs).
- Experience in analytical method development.
- Background in oligonucleotide therapeutics, RNA-based therapeutics, or nucleic acid drug discovery.
- Experience in oligonucleotide process scale-up and material production.
Hongene Biotech Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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