Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Job Title: Oligonucleotide Scientist II

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Employment Type: W2 Contract – 12 Months with Possibility for Extensions

Pay Rate: $45.00–$49.65/hour – Determined based on experience (Paid Weekly)

Work Model: Fully Onsite

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Note: This is a W2 only role — C2C and C2H will not be considered.

Role Overview

BEPC is seeking an experienced Oligonucleotide Scientist to support our customer’s Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery team within Protein Sciences in South San Francisco, CA.

This hands-on research position focuses on oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery, including the design, synthesis, analysis, purification, characterization, and optimization of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. The scientist will work within an interdisciplinary chemistry team supporting RNAi biology research and collaborate across therapeutic areas such as neuroscience, immunology, and oncology.

This position requires candidates who already have direct, hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and characterization. Candidates should be comfortable independently performing these core laboratory techniques without fundamental technical training.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, analyze, characterize, and optimize oligonucleotides for therapeutic discovery.
• Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, including DNA and RNA synthesis.
• Operate automated oligonucleotide synthesizers such as MerMade, ACT, Shasta, or comparable platforms.
• Perform oligonucleotide processing activities, including deprotection, purification, and characterization.
• Utilize HPLC and mass spectrometry for purification, analysis, and characterization.
• Troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis issues and perform impurity profiling.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews and develop nucleic acid chemistry plans.
• Execute nucleic acid chemistry strategies in support of research objectives.
• Coordinate chemistry and biology data to support oligonucleotide compound progression.
• Develop methods for the scaled-up synthesis of lead molecules.
• Coordinate material preparation and delivery for preclinical studies.
• Maintain strong laboratory productivity to support timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Collaborate with scientists across neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and other therapeutic areas.
• Support development of comprehensive oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery strategies.
• Maintain shared laboratory equipment, including oligonucleotide synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of experiments and laboratory activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field.
• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Direct hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience operating automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
• Experience with platforms such as MerMade, ACT, Shasta, or similar systems.
• Hands-on experience with solid-phase synthesis.
• Experience synthesizing both DNA and RNA oligonucleotides.
• Experience with novel nucleic acid chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide purification and characterization.
• Experience performing deprotection, purification, and characterization processes.
• Proficiency with HPLC is required.
• Proficiency with mass spectrometry is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and laboratory documentation skills.
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Ability to perform the core synthesis, purification, and characterization responsibilities without fundamental technical training.
• Ability to work fully onsite in South San Francisco, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience supporting RNAi therapeutics research and development.
• Strong understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid modification chemistries, sequence selection, and mechanisms of action.
• Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics and delivery.
• Experience in large-molecule drug discovery.
• Experience with bio-conjugation.
• Experience troubleshooting oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiles.
• Knowledge of drug discovery processes.
• Experience with oligonucleotide design.
• Experience scaling synthesis methods for lead molecules.
• Inventory management experience.
• Experience working within organizations specializing in oligonucleotide synthesis, including contract research organizations.

Interview Process

• Initial 30-minute phone screen.
• Candidates who successfully complete the initial screen will interview with a four-person team.
• Local candidates may be asked to interview onsite.
• Candidates outside the immediate area may complete the interview virtually.

About BEPC

BEPC Inc., founded in 2007, is a 100% employee-owned company providing top-tier consulting and staffing solutions across industries like technology, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. At BEPC, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We take pride in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where our team members thrive. With competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, BEPC is dedicated to supporting our employees' personal and professional growth.

Apply Now!