Job Description

Oligonucleotide Scientist - Oligonucleotide Synthesis Team

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire

Work Model: Fully on-site

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC, and Europe. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere.

We employ individuals from multiple subject areas, including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing, and commercialisation. Our sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale. This platform can analyze native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Oligonucleotide Scientist to join our newly established Oligonucleotide Synthesis Team. This is an exciting and challenging role where you will assist in expanding our nucleotide and oligonucleotide synthesis capabilities aimed at research and development (R&D).

Depending on experience, the successful candidate will take on technical leadership roles and collaborate closely with other team members in the oligonucleotide facility. This role involves developing new synthesis, purification, and analytical methodologies/workflows for a wide range of critical long and modified DNA/RNA oligonucleotides. You will also play a collaborative role in the strategic decision-making that influences future projects for the team and the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing an oligonucleotide synthesis pipeline to serve critical R&D projects.
• Developing synthesis methodologies for complex, modified, and long DNA/RNA oligonucleotides.
• Improving purification and analytical workflows for synthesized oligonucleotides, introducing automation where possible.
• Analysing oligonucleotides by high-resolution CE, LC-MS, and HPLC.
• Onboarding new technology and methods to improve operational effectiveness.
• Contributing to the scientific and technical training of the team.
• Supporting ambitious and innovative R&D projects.
• Preparing clearly articulated progress reports and keeping well-organized experimental records.
• Working and communicating effectively across several research and development groups.
• Promoting a safe working environment for all team members, and a culture of continuous improvement for health & safety.

Required Qualifications

• BSc, MSc, or PhD degree in chemistry with industrial or equivalent experience.
• Experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and bioconjugation.
• Practical knowledge of small molecules and oligonucleotide analysis and purification.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of organization.
• A willingness to learn and develop is essential, as training will be given.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in nucleosides, phosphoramidites, and triphosphates synthesis.

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated individuals who enjoy taking on new challenges, are quickly adaptable in an exciting and fast-paced environment, and who perform well under pressure.

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Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.