Research Associate

Research Associate I / Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process ResearchHeadquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We're pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.We're building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you're passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!Ionis Pharmaceuticals is a leader in RNA-targeted medicines. Our Manufacturing & Operations organization develops and manufactures oligonucleotide drug substance and drug product to support clinical development and commercial programs. The Development Chemistry team works at the interface of chemistry, process development, analytical science, and manufacturing to turn promising molecular designs into robust, scalable processes.The team supports a broad range of modalities, including antisense, siRNA, modified oligonucleotides, and peptide-conjugated compounds, while evaluating new reagents, solid supports, purification strategies, and process technologies. This work connects laboratory scale research with manufacturing campaigns and cross-function chemistry, manufacturing, and control activities.Ionis is a lean, knowledgeable-based organization that values direct communication, thoughtful technical debate, cross-functional collaboration, and employee ownership. Team members work across functions and levels to solve problems efficiently, contribute to meaningful development programs, and grow through increasing scope, responsibility, and impact.The Research Associate or Research Associate II, Manufacturing Process Research role will support the development and execution of laboratory-scale oligonucleotide manufacturing processes. This entry-level scientist will work under the direction of experienced scientists and project leads to perform defined experiments, prepare and purify oligonucleotide materials, review analytical data, and document results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports. The role is expected to contribute to experiments and technical deliverables; it is not initially responsible for independently setting final manufacturing parameters, approving GMP decisions, leading complex experimental programs, managing external organizations, or serving as the technical owner of a major project.The role offers broad exposure to solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage and deprotection, conjugation, purification, annealing, filtration, and related process operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable learning new chemistry and equipment, following established procedures carefully, recognizing unexpected results, and communicating questions or observations promptly.Responsibilities:Execute defined laboratory experiments supporting oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing research.Perform laboratory-scale solid-phase synthesis and related operations, including reagent preparation, coupling, oxidation, detritylation, phosphorus deprotection, cleavage, and deprotection, as applicable to assigned projects.Prepare, process, and purify oligonucleotide materials using techniques such as reverse-phase and anion-exchange chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, annealing, concentration, and isolation.Support assigned process-development programs, which may include antisense, siRNA, conjugated, and other modified oligonucleotide modalities.Evaluate process conditions, materials, resins, reagents, and equipment settings under guidance from experienced team members.Prepare laboratory-scale drug substance, intermediates, authentic research materials, impurity samples, and samples for analytical development or manufacturing support.Collect, organize, and review experimental and analytical data, including chromatographic and mass-spectrometric results, yields, recoveries, concentrations, and impurity profiles.Record experimental procedures, observations, calculations, results, and conclusions accurately and promptly in the electronic laboratory notebook and associated data systems.Contribute data and written content to development chemistry reports, presentations, process summaries, and other technical documents under appropriate review.Operate laboratory equipment after training and authorization: perform routine cleaning, maintenance, readiness checks, and required documentation.Support investigations into unexpected processes or analytical results by gathering information, repeating defined experiments, and escalating findings to the project lead.Collaborate with Manufacturing, Analytical Development & Quality Control, Process Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, Quality, and other partners to complete assigned work.Follow laboratory safety requirements, chemical-handling procedures, data-integrity expectations, and applicable quality and compliance practices.Maintain an organized laboratory environment and support inventory, material tracking, and safe laboratory operations.Qualifications:Required:Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered. For the Research Associate II position, at least 2 years of relevant experience is required.Demonstrated understanding of basic chemistry, laboratory practices, and scientific problem solving through academic, internship, research, or industry experience.Ability to follow written procedures and experimental plans accurately while maintaining careful records.Ability to analyze and communicate basic experimental results and recognize when results require additional review or escalation.Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to data accuracy.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional laboratory and manufacturing support environment.Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine laboratory activities, including handling materials and equipment.Willingness and ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and biological or pharmaceutical materials, as applicable to assigned work.Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support time-sensitive experiments or manufacturing activities.Preferred:Research or industry experience with oligonucleotides, nucleic acids, peptide conjugates, process chemistry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or purification science.Familiarity with solid-phase synthesis, chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration, or laboratory-scale manufacturing operations.Exposure to HPLC, LC-MS, UV detection, or interpretation of chromatographic and mass-spectrometric data.Experience using an electronic laboratory notebook, laboratory information system, spreadsheet, or other scientific data system.Familiarity with good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, chemical hygiene, or data integrity principles.Experience preparing technical summaries, laboratory reports, posters, or scientific presentations.Competencies for Success:Learns quickly and applies scientific concepts to new procedures, technologies, and oligonucleotide processes.Executes assigned experiments carefully, reliably, and in accordance with approved procedures and experimental plans.Demonstrates sound scientific judgment by recognizing deviations, unexpected results, data inconsistencies, and situations requiring escalation.Uses a structured, hands-on approach to troubleshooting and seeks guidance appropriately when results fall outside expectations.Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation with a strong commitment to data integrity and laboratory safety.Organizes work effectively, manages competing priorities, and communicates progress, risks, and timeline concerns proactively.Takes ownership of assigned work and follows through on commitments, including completing documentation and required follow-up activities.Communicates clearly and respectfully with supervisors, project leads, and cross-functional partners.Works effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented laboratory environment and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.Adapts to changing project priorities while maintaining attention to detail, transparency, and quality.Demonstrates curiosity, receptiveness to feedback, and commitment to ongoing technical development.