Position Overview

Prime Medicine is seeking a talented and motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist level oligonucleotide chemist with hands-on experiences in RNA synthesis and enzymatic ligation of oligonucleotides. Expertise using the Mermade12 synthesizer for solid-phase synthesis of RNA oligonucleotide using phosphoramidite chemistry, cleavage & deprotections in parallel followed by HPLC purifications in queue to produce high quality guide RNA is highly desired. The chemist will also need to be a quick learner and interested in contributing to long guide RNA innovations that are scalable and suitable for manufacturing under GMP.  The individual will be responsible to produce multiple guide RNA sequences in parallel on Mermade12 scale to support various internal and partnership programs.  

The ideal candidate will work independently and may supervise and mentor junior level oligonucleotide chemists in the lab. Strong work ethic, collaboration and accountability are imperative as the position will work cross-functionally, interfacing with the in-process analytics, biology, delivery, and other technical development & operations teams to advance Prime’s programs to the clinic.     

 Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, design and implement solid-phase synthesis of guide RNA on Mermade12 synthesizer using phosphoramidite chemistry
• Apply robust small-scale cleavage & deprotection (C&D) procedures for multiple C&D in parallel.
• Execute robust purification process to purify multiple crude guide RNAs in a queue on AKTA purifier
• Interact seamlessly with in-process analytics for crudes/fractions analysis and measurement of the guides.
• Ability to quickly learn and implement Prime’s enzymatic ligation process for long guide RNA production
• Ability to deliver guides to the program team in a fast-paced environment
• Will have ability to provide technical guidance to the junior chemists in the lab and help them with troubleshooting.
• Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines.
• Report results or scientific findings in internal cross-functional meetings.
• Must have ability to operate and troubleshoot Mermade12 synthesizer and maintain other lab instruments such as purifiers, UPLC, rotavapor, and centrifugator in good operational conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, and to be able to plan/execute experiments in a timely manner taking into account multiple inputs in a cross functional manner.
• Conduct laboratory work in safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment for colleagues.
• Capacity to be highly productive in a fluid and fast-paced work environment.
• Tabulate all experimental data in the electronic notebook, and prepare technical reports as necessary.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related discipline with 0-3+ years of experiences OR BS/MS with at 3-6+ years of experience in a relevant industrial environment
• Prior experiences on Mermade12 synthesizer for solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis is required
• Prior experiences in high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage & deprotection and purification techniques are preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and data interpretation with UPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis are preferred.
• Ability to manage and guide to the junior level oligonucleotide chemists in the laboratory.
• Highly self-motivated, driven, can-do, make it happen attitude with ability to own and drive projects.
• Strong collaborator with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Capable of continuous learning, open-minded, curious, highly organized, and detail-oriented