"Oligonucleotide Synthesis Chemist Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Core is a newly initiated program at the University of Michigan to design and synthesize nucleic acid therapeutic molecules for early stage research and development. Our team seeks a highly motivated Oligonucleotide Synthesis Chemist Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be part of building our dynamic, collaborative, and service-oriented core facility from the ground up. You will be pivotal in building our cutting-edge oligo synthesis platform—enabling ASO, siRNA, and CRISPR guide RNA generation to support translational science on campus and beyond.

What You'll Do

• Lead Core Development & Operations
• Collaborate with leadership on core infrastructure planning—recommending equipment, defining workflows, and developing lab systems.
• Serve as a key contributor in setting up the automated DNA/RNA synthesis pipeline (e.g., Dr. Oligo systems).
• Hands-On Synthetic Chemistry & QC
• Operate and maintain automated DNA/RNA synthesizers to produce custom oligonucleotides.
• Purify products using HPLC (RP, AEX), PAGE, and other advanced chromatographic methods.
• Conduct rigorous QC workflows (UV-Vis, LC-MS, mass spec) to confirm identity, purity, and yield.
• Scientific Collaboration & Project Oversight
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to design oligo modifications aligned with project goals.
• Support experimental design and data analysis to ensure robust technical outcomes.
• Resource Management & Compliance
• Maintain inventory of reagents and supplies; optimize ordering and project scheduling to meet service expectations.
• Monitor instrument performance, oversee routine maintenance, and coordinate vendor support.
• Uphold SOPs, aseptic protocols, and university safety guidelines.
• Growth & Mentorship
• Contribute to continuous improvement of core services—identifying innovation opportunities and workflow efficiencies.
• Mentor junior staff and train new users as the core scales.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• Direct experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), preferably using automated synthesizers such as Dr. Oligo.
• Expertise in downstream analytics (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis).
• Strong foundation in nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.
• Demonstrated project management skills—organized, detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills—comfortable interacting with researchers at all levels.

Desired Qualifications

• Background in a core facility, CRO, or shared-resource environment.
• Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN), LIMS, or other quality systems.
• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior scientists.

Working Conditions

Laboratory-based role using chemical reagents, automated synthesizers, HPLC, mass spectrometry, etc. Occasional light lifting, and time at computers for data analysis and documentation.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.