Senior Research Associate, Reagents

What we are looking for in you

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative chemist for the position of Senior Research Associate. Reporting to the Senior Scientist, you will work alongside a team of multidisciplinary scientists to execute and develop processes for the synthesis, purification and characterization of oligonucleotides at scale, enabling Glyphic’s mission of developing next-generation single-molecule protein sequencing assays. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will support the project lead in operating automated DNA synthesizers and purification systems, working closely with Oligonucleotide scientists to develop and execute oligonucleotide synthesis across a range of scales. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry and the ability to independently execute complex, multi-step oligonucleotide synthesis and purification workflows with a high level of precision and reliability. 

In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to directly contribute to highly innovative projects at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, molecular biology and biophysics. 

What you’ll do

• Collaborate closely with the project lead to execute daily oligonucleotide synthesis and purification requests using automated systems.


• Independently synthesize oligonucleotides at 200 nmol to >20 umol starting scales using MerMade 12, KnA H2 etc. and troubleshoot instrument issues.


• Actively propose ideas for new reagents and/or methods  to reduce impurities such as deletions, alkylations etc. in synthesized oligos  and resolve commonly observed problems in solid-phase oligo synthesis.


• Routinely handle moisture sensitive reagents such as phosphoramidites, acid anhydrides, dry solvents etc. and take necessary precautions to ensure high quality of reagents during synthesis.


• Develop and execute  methods for purification of oligonucleotides to achieve n-1 resolution at semi-prep scale.


• Engage with the broader scientific team in discussions about oligo design and court ideas for expanding Glyphic’s oligonucleotide toolbox at all times.


• Effectively prioritize urgent synthesis requests to meet critical timelines.


• Provide routine updates to the project lead and the Reagents team in presentation form.

What you need

:

• BS/MS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 2-3 years of experience in a synthetic chemistry lab.


• Hands-on experience with solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization (e.g., anion exchange/FPLC, HPLC).


• Hands-on experience with moisture sensitive chemical reactions (e.g., phosphoramidite chemistry). 


• Familiarity with fundamental concepts of nucleotide chemistry, nucleophilic displacement reactions and biochemistry of DNA.


• Experience with purification of polar and/or non-polar compounds using at least one purification technique (e.g., RP-HPLC, Normal phase HPLC, HILIC, Size Exclusion Chromatography).


• Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.


• Located in, or able to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area and available to start within two weeks of offer acceptance.

Nice to have:

• Hands-on experience operating LGC MerMade oligonucleotide synthesizers.


• Experience with LC-MS analysis of oligonucleotides and/or proteins.


• Ability to understand and resolve characterization outputs.


• Experience with bioconjugation reactions with DNA such as amide coupling, Cu-click, copper free click chemistry etc.

We’re looking for a teammate that:

• Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.


• Operates with adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.


• Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.


• Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.


• Applies sound judgment to the best available information, testing, learning, and iterating.


• Shares early and directly when assumptions change, results are unclear, or timelines are at risk.

What you can expect from this role

Work environment:

• Collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued


• Direct impact on product development and company direction

Professional growth:

• Learn from a diverse team of world-class scientists and engineers


• Contribute to first-of-their kind technologies, high-impact publications, and patents

Compensation

Estimated Base Salary $82,000 - $117,875

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including, experience, education, skillset, and geographic location. This range is for the SF Bay Area, California location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.