Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

How will you make an impact?

Our Organic and Oligo Chemistry team designs and develops novel dyes and highly functionalized oligonucleotide constructs to support R&D programs and new product development within the Genetic Sciences Division.

In this R&D role, you will design, synthesize, purify, characterize, and evaluate modified oligonucleotide constructs for applications in real-time PCR and other molecular biology workflows. You will combine expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry with hands-on PCR experimentation to understand the relationship between oligonucleotide design, chemical modifications, and functional assay performance.

You will independently design and execute experiments, solve complex technical problems, and provide scientific recommendations to advance R&D and new product introduction (NPI) programs. You will collaborate closely with scientists across chemistry, PCR, Human Identification (HID), and manufacturing teams.

Location

This is a fully onsite role based at our Pleasanton, CA facility.  Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

What will you do?

• Design and synthesize highly functionalized, modified, and dye-labeled oligonucleotides for R&D and new product development applications.
• Perform automated synthesis of oligonucleotides, including primers, PCR probes, LNA/L-DNA-modified oligonucleotides, dye-labeled oligonucleotides, and other chemically modified oligonucleotide constructs.
• Purify, analyze, and characterize oligonucleotides using techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Independently identify and troubleshoot complex challenges related to oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, labeling, characterization, and functional performance.
• Develop and optimize methods for post-synthesis dye labeling and functionalization of oligonucleotides using NHS ester chemistry, click chemistry, and related conjugation approaches.
• Design and perform real-time PCR experiments to evaluate primers, probes, fluorescent dyes, quenchers, and modified oligonucleotide constructs.
• Operate real-time PCR instruments and analyze amplification data to evaluate oligonucleotide and probe performance.
• Investigate relationships between oligonucleotide design, chemical modifications, dye/quencher properties, and functional PCR performance.
• Independently design experimental strategies, execute experiments, analyze and interpret complex data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and recommend next steps.
• Develop and optimize experimental methods to address technical challenges and support feasibility studies and product development programs.
• Apply scientific judgment to prioritize experiments, identify technical risks, and propose solutions to advance project objectives.
• Prepare experimental protocols, technical reports, presentations, and other R&D documentation.
• Effectively communicate experimental results, conclusions, and scientific recommendations to project teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams on process development, technology transfer, and troubleshooting of new oligonucleotide constructs.
• Partner with organic chemistry colleagues to evaluate new fluorescent dyes, quenchers, linkers, and related chemical modifications for oligonucleotide applications.
• Work closely with PCR and Human Identification (HID) scientists to support new product development, assay optimization, feasibility studies, and technical problem-solving.
• Provide technical guidance and share oligonucleotide chemistry and PCR expertise with other scientists and team members as appropriate.
• Participate actively in group and cross-functional project meetings and contribute scientific recommendations to project decisions.

How will you get here?

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 3–5 years of relevant laboratory/R&D experience; or
• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant graduate research and/or professional R&D experience.
• Relevant graduate research experience may include thesis or other laboratory-based research experience.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related area.
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, modification, conjugation, and/or characterization.
• Experience with analytical and purification techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, or related methods.
• Hands-on experience operating real-time PCR instruments and performing PCR or qPCR experiments.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting real-time PCR amplification data.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, analyze complex data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and develop scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to investigate root causes and develop experimental approaches to address technical problems.
• Ability to manage multiple experimental activities and priorities and contribute effectively to R&D project objectives.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical results and recommendations effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional R&D environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automated DNA/RNA synthesizers and chemically modified oligonucleotides.
• Experience with HPLC purification and LC-MS characterization of oligonucleotides.
• Experience designing and evaluating primers and fluorescently labeled probes for real-time PCR applications.
• Experience with real-time PCR assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Experience investigating the impact of oligonucleotide modifications, fluorescent dyes, and quenchers on PCR probe performance.
• Familiarity with fluorescent dyes, quenchers, bioconjugation chemistry, NHS ester chemistry, click chemistry, or related conjugation approaches.
• Experience developing and optimizing methods for synthesis, purification, labeling, or characterization of oligonucleotides.
• Experience working in an industrial R&D or product development environment.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on new product development, technology transfer, or manufacturing support.

Compensation and Benefits

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards