"Oligonucleotide Synthesis Scientist Lead/Senior/Intermediate/Associate"

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 Scientist 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.

• 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.

Lead Classification

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with 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).
• Expertise in nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.

Senior Classification

• B.S./B.A. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with 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.

Intermediate Classification

• B.S./B.A. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• 3+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with direct experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), preferably using automated synthesizers such as Dr. Oligo.
• Experience with downstream analytics (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis).
• A foundation in nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.

Associate Classification

• B.S./B.A. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
• 1+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with direct experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), preferably using automated synthesizers such as Dr. Oligo.
• Knowledge of downstream analytics (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis).
• Knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.

All Classifications

• Demonstrated project management skills - organized, detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills - comfortable interacting with researchers at all levels.

Lead Classification

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline

Senior and Intermediate Classifications

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline

Lead, Senior and Intermediate Classifications

• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior scientists.

All Classifications

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

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.