We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Chemist to oversee solid-phase DNA synthesis process development on our proprietary hardware. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the chemistry team, working independently in a laboratory environment, collaborating effectively with other functional teams, and providing strategic input to the management team. This role also involves contributing to brainstorming discussions within the R&D department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the chemistry team and provide development strategy to the management team:
  • Manage a team of chemists engaged in oligo synthesis and related research activities, ensuring adherence to project resource and timelines.
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and technical expertise to the chemistry team, promoting their professional growth and development.
  • Communicate experimental plans, progress, and results effectively to the project team.
  • Provide development strategies for chemistry to the management team, contributing to the overall R&D direction.

• Optimize oligo synthesis chemistry on our proprietary hardware:
  • Implement innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency, yield, and overall quality of synthesized oligonucleotides.
  • Enlarge parameter windows to ensure reproducibility and reliability against protocol and instrument variation.

• Optimize cleave, deprotect, and purification workflows:
  • Devise and characterize an efficient and reproducible workflow for cleaving and deprotecting protected oligos from solid supports, ensuring compatibility with downstream applications.
  • Develop and characterize a robust purification method in a well plate format.

• Develop a set of analytical methods to characterize synthesized oligonucleotides:
  • Establish analytical methods such as HPLC, LCMS, sequencing, and spectrophotometry to accurately characterize the yield, purity, and side products of synthesized oligonucleotides.
  • Develop a rapid QC method for synthesized oligonucleotides to ensure consistency across machines, locations, and time.
  • Implement rigorous statistical analysis to ensure reliable and reproducible data interpretation.
    
    
• Lead development of solid supports for our proprietary oligonucleotide synthesis hardware:
  • Define requirements for solid support and ensure a long-term supply.
  • Oversee optimization of the functionalization chemistry of solid supports to improve the yield and efficiency of synthesized oligonucleotides.
  • Develop quality control (QC) and preparation protocols for solid supports to meet the hardware’s requirements.
    
    

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or equivalent experience.
• In-depth knowledge of general chemistry principles, solid-phase synthesis, and instrumental analysis techniques (e.g., HPLC, LCMS, sequencing, spectrophotometry).
• Extensive experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Proficiency in designing and executing hypothesis-driven experiments.
• Proficiency in data aggregation and analysis using rigorous statistical methods.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide strategic guidance.
• Proven ability to oversee and manage a chemistry team.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Prior experience with polymer bead surface chemistry and functionalization
• Experience with high throughput oligo synthesis (>10,000 unique oligos per run)
• Experience with microfluidics is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming is a plus.

Note: This job description outlines the primary duties and requirements of the position but is not exhaustive. Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $145,000 - $230,000. Compensation may be different in other locations. Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location.

✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance

✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance