Associate Scientist

Salary Range: 84000 to 112000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

Key Responsibilities

• Oligonucleotide compound management and preparation of samples for biological screening, including via automated liquid handling platforms.
• Analysis and formulation of test articles for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Receive, track, and maintain physical and virtual inventory of test articles, formulations, and components.
• Manage and coordinate large oligonucleotide compound sets across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring accurate sample identity, concentration, and availability to meet screening timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for compound logistics, including reformatting, normalization, and distribution to downstream assay and in vivo teams — executed primarily through automated liquid handling workflows.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton STAR/Vantage, Tecan, Viaflo96/384, Tempest) for high-throughput compound preparation, serial dilution, plate reformatting, and sample distribution.
• Quantification of oligonucleotide compounds and formulated complexes via Mass Spec and UV spectrophotometry.
• Employ ddPCR for absolute quantification of nucleic acid compounds and edited targets, supporting both compound QC and downstream analytical readouts.
• Purity analysis via analytical HPLC and LCMS, ability to troubleshoot and develop methods on analytical systems.
• Support cell-based screening and NGS workflows as needed, including high-throughput assay preparation, ddPCR-based QC, library preparation, and operation of sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina MiSeq), in a collaborative capacity.
• Maintain a well-documented electronic/laboratory notebook.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2+ years of experience in an industrial or academic laboratory setting or Bachelor's degree with 4+ years' experience or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience with nucleic acids and analytical chemistry with UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, and LCMS analysis.
• Deep familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry, including synthesis, handling, and physicochemical characterization of modified nucleic acids.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume compound inventories with rigorous attention to sample integrity and traceability.
• Hands-on experience operating and programming automated liquid handlers, with a strong preference for Hamilton STAR or Vantage platforms; experience writing or modifying Hamilton methods (Venus/Venus One) is highly desirable.
• Comfort troubleshooting liquid handling errors, calibrating channels, and optimizing pipetting parameters for low-volume or viscous nucleic acid samples.
• Experience with ddPCR for nucleic acid quantification; familiarity with multiplexed ddPCR assay design a plus.
• Experience with LIMS systems, ELN, and workflow/scheduling software a plus.
• Exposure to cell-based assays, NGS library preparation, or sequencing platforms is a plus, though not a primary focus of the role.
• High attention to detail with the ability to handle large sets of compounds accurately.
• High degree of flexibility and self-motivation in a fast-paced work environment, ability to prioritize appropriately and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.