Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Position Summary:

Prime Medicine seeks a passionate and accomplished Scientist to join our guide RNA chemistry team and work with an enthusiastic team of highly skilled scientists in a dynamic and high-growth company. This position is a hands-on role, and the successful candidate will have deep knowledge and experience in the synthesis, purification, and downstream processing of long guide RNA to advance our cutting-edge gene editing drug discovery programs. The ideal candidate will work in a team and/or independently to help grow our internal guide RNA synthesis capabilities. Core competencies include an ability to function in an interdisciplinary and fast-paced environment coupled with a proactive and collaborative approach. This position will be based in our Watertown, MA location.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform purification, desalting, lyophilization, and analysis of research-scale long guide RNA with different chemical modifications using various techniques, including reverse-phase and ion-exchange HPLCs, UPLC, LCMS, etc.
• Design and execute solid-phase synthesis of long guide RNA with various chemical modifications using automated synthesizers such as MerMade 12, Dr. Oligo 48, etc.
• Method development and optimization for improved synthesis, purification, and analysis of long oligonucleotides and their conjugates.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment, purification, and analytical instruments such as Agilent HPLC system, AKTA purifier, UPLC, LCMS, and other state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, ensuring proper use and performance.
• Track progress, generate regular status updates, communicate the progress, and present data in both written and oral formats at cross-functional team meetings.
• Prepare SOPs, organize experimental data, and maintain a well-documented electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Prepare various buffers accurately and consistently for guide RNA purification and analysis.
• Conduct laboratory experiments safely and efficiently, ensuring a safe working environment for colleagues.
• Highly motivated and productive in a fast-paced work environment.

Required Experience/Skills:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field and 2+ years of industry or academic experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related fields with excellent understanding of nucleic acids chemistry and 5+ years of chemistry laboratory experience or BS/BA in Chemistry or related fields with 6+ years of chemistry laboratory experience in an industrial or academic setting.
• Excellent experience in oligonucleotide purification techniques, including reverse-phase and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Strong analytical skills and experience analyzing long oligonucleotides using LCMS, UPLC, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Excellent experience in solid-phase synthesis of long oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers.
• Proficiency in handling, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of critical instrumentation such as automated HPLCs, UPLCs, LCMS, oligonucleotide synthesizers, etc.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to producing pure and high-quality guide RNA oligonucleotides.
• A strong background in nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide drug discovery activities.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• High degree of flexibility, self-motivation, and work well in a fast-paced work environment.
• Proficient in data analysis and ELN record-keeping with good documentation practices.
• Possesses exemplary communication and presentation skills.