Oligonucleotide Scientist

Job Title: Oligonucleotide Scientist II – Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for a creative, self-motivated, and collaborative Contract Scientist II to join a Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery team within a protein sciences organization. The successful candidate will support a growing oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery group by driving oligonucleotide discovery and synthesis efforts in an interdisciplinary chemistry team focused on RNAi biology research. This position plays a key role in advancing large molecule drug discovery programs by designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligonucleotide therapeutics and contributing to a positive, innovative team culture.

Responsibilities

• Work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research laboratory to support discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology, and oncology.
• Contribute to building a comprehensive oligonucleotide therapeutic portfolio by supporting the design, synthesis, and optimization of oligonucleotide candidates.
• Perform hands-on oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligo synthesizers, applying novel nucleic acid chemistries and optimization strategies.
• Conduct oligonucleotide purification and characterization using HPLC and mass spectrometry to ensure high-quality materials for research studies.
• Apply a strong understanding of oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiling, including troubleshooting synthesis and purification issues to improve product quality and yields.
• Collaborate with other scientists to maintain and operate common laboratory equipment such as oligonucleotide synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units, ensuring proper calibration, maintenance, and efficient utilization.
• Perform literature reviews to stay current with advances in nucleic acid chemistry, RNAi therapeutics, and related technologies, and translate this knowledge into experimental plans.
• Propose and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans that support project goals, including the design of modified oligonucleotides and evaluation of structure–activity relationships.
• Coordinate and integrate chemistry and biology data to support progression of oligonucleotide compounds through in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Establish and optimize methods for scaled-up synthesis of lead oligonucleotide molecules to support preclinical development.
• Coordinate material delivery of synthesized oligonucleotide leads for preclinical studies, ensuring timely and reliable supply of high-quality compounds.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory to meet aggressive timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies across multiple projects.
• Communicate results, challenges, and recommendations clearly to project teams and stakeholders, contributing to data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team environment, contributing to a supportive and innovative lab culture.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and related laboratory work.
• Hands-on experience with automated oligo synthesizers for nucleic acid synthesis.
• Practical experience in oligonucleotide purification using HPLC, including method development and optimization.
• Experience in characterization of oligonucleotides using mass spectrometry.
• Strong in organic chemistry and organic synthesis applied to nucleic acid chemistry.
• Good understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities, including modification chemistries, sequence selection, and mechanism of action.
• Ability to troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiling issues to improve process robustness and product quality.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (BS/MS) in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to design and interpret experiments independently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present data and collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced research environment.
• High level of motivation and initiative, with a commitment to delivering high-quality scientific results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industry experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector, particularly in research and development of RNAi therapeutics, is preferred.
• Experience in large molecule drug discovery involving oligonucleotide therapeutics is desirable.
• Familiarity with oligonucleotide delivery strategies or bio-conjugation techniques is an advantage.
• Exposure to multiple therapeutic areas such as neuroscience, immunology, and oncology is beneficial.
• Experience working within interdisciplinary teams that integrate chemistry and biology data to advance drug discovery programs.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with scientific literature in nucleic acid chemistry and apply new concepts to ongoing projects.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site in a research facility located in South San Francisco, CA. The role follows a standard Monday to Friday schedule with an 8-hour workday. The environment is a laboratory-based setting focused on oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery, where you will routinely work with automated oligo synthesizers, HPLC systems, desalting units, and mass spectrometry instruments. You will collaborate closely with scientists from multiple disciplines in a highly interactive and interdisciplinary team culture that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Interviewing typically consists of a single 30-minute round; candidates in the local area are encouraged to attend interviews on site, while those outside the immediate area may join virtually.

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $35 - $50