Chemist II - Oligo Automated Plate (RNA Synthesis)

Overview: Business Title: Chemist II – RNA Synthesis Position Title: Analyst II Division: Consumer Products Services Entity: Consumer Products Services/ATL Location: Boston, MA Reports to: Manager FLSA: Non-exempt Hours Worked: Typically, Monday through Friday, forty-hours per week. However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned. Position Summary: The Chemist II is responsible for assisting with synthesis and downstream processing of oligo synthesis using various analytical techniques. For Oligosynthesis, the Dr. Oligo and MerMade 192 oligosynthesizers are used. For purification and analysis AKTA, LC-MS, UPLC, LTQ, QDA analytical instruments are used. For downstream automation a Lynx liquid handler will be used. This person will assist with training new staff, work on multiple projects simultaneously and stay current with new modifications of oligonucleotides.

Duties and Responsibilities:

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• Independently perform synthesis and downstream processing of oligo synthesis: cleavage, deprotection, purification, desalting and annealing
• Bioconjugation of single strand oligonucleotide
• Use of general laboratory equipment including but not limited to automation instruments, pipettors, centrifuges, incubators, biological safety cabinets and balances
• Instrumentation for methods and techniques described include various synthesizers, LC-MS, UPLC, LTQ, QDA, Nanodrop, etc.
• Familiarity with various statistical analysis tools and able to solve technical problems and make recommendations for improvement
• Work closely with members of the RNAi plate synthesis team to understand and validate requirements for synthesis and downstream processing
• Review literature to stay current on new methods for oligonucleotides and provide technical solutions to clients and management
• Lab experience with solution preparation, separation, quantification, synthesis methodologies for DNA/RNA, proteins, oligonucleotides, etc.
• Software includes instrument-specific for capturing and analyzing data, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams/Sharepoint, etc), LIMS, electronic laboratory notebooks, etc.
• Detailed record keeping of daily experiments in ELNs
• General Lab Maintenance
• Train new staff members
• Identify, troubleshoot, and suggest technical solutions to clients and management
• Follow the guidelines set forth with clients and Company Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Comply with clients’ and Company management systems in accordance with appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Perform other essential tasks projects and responsibilities as required.
• Other duties as defined by the Manager, department needs and workload

Skills & Proficiencies:

• Experience, troubleshooting, and optimizing synthetic protocols on various synthesizers
• Experience with Automation instruments such as Tecan, Lynx, Dispendix, Hamilton, Beckman, etc.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, Water’s QDA, etc.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prepare written technical reports
• Strong oral communication skills in presenting facts and recommendations
• Confident, execution-focused, and team oriented with a desire to thrive in a fast-paced growing environment
• Written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in a group setting, with colleagues and clients
• Ability to perform multiple tasks
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet or exceed deadlines
• Individual and Team work ethic
• Proficiency with Windows, Word & Excel
• Attention to detail
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, high level of engagement
• Champions and adheres to company values including team engagement

Education and Experience:

• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related field
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience with oligonucleotide chemistry or plate based automation development
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above

Compensation Range: $36.00-$40.00 per hour (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as location, education, experience, and skillset).