Fresh Graduates Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

BEPC is actively looking for Oligonucleotide Scientist II, in South San Francisco, CA area!

W2 Contract – 12 months with possible extensions!

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Pay Rate: $45.00 - $49.65/hour - Determined based on experience (Paid Weekly)

Work Model: Fully onsite role – South San Francisco, CA.

Note: This is a W2 only role — C2C, C2H will not be considered

Summary of the Role:

BEPC is seeking a highly motivated Oligonucleotide Scientist II to join our client’s site in South San Francisco, CA. This role will support the Nucleic Acid Design and Discovery team within the Protein Sciences department, focusing on oligonucleotide therapeutics discovery.

The position is seeking a creative, self-motivated, and collaborative scientist with hands-on experience in oligonucleotide discovery and synthesis, specifically DNA and RNA. The role involves the design, synthesis, analysis, purification, characterization, and optimization of oligonucleotides in a research-based laboratory environment.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary chemistry team working in RNAi biology research and contribute positively to its developing culture. Experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics delivery and large-molecule drug discovery is preferred.

Candidates must already possess hands-on experience with the core synthesis, purification, and characterization activities required for the position, as training will not be provided for these fundamental tasks.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work in an oligonucleotide therapeutic drug discovery research laboratory and interface across therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immunology, and oncology, to help build a comprehensive therapeutic discovery strategy.
• Design, synthesize, analyze, and optimize oligonucleotides.
• Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, including DNA and RNA synthesis.
• Perform processing steps including deprotection, purification, and characterization.
• Troubleshoot oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiling.
• Collaborate with other scientists to maintain common laboratory equipment, including oligonucleotide synthesizers, HPLC systems, and desalting units.
• Perform literature reviews and propose and execute nucleic acid chemistry plans.
• Coordinate chemistry and biology data to support oligonucleotide compound progression.
• Establish methods for scaled-up synthesis of lead molecules.
• Coordinate material delivery for preclinical studies.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory to meet timelines for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Maintain appropriate documentation related to laboratory activities.

Main Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field.

• Experience: Relevant hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis; fresh graduates without the required practical synthesis experience are not suitable for the position.
• Hands-on experience in oligonucleotide synthesis using automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
• Experience with automated synthesizers such as MerMade, ACT, or Shasta.
• Hands-on experience with solid-phase synthesis.
• Experience with DNA and RNA oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Experience with novel nucleic acid chemistry.
• Experience with oligonucleotide purification and characterization.
• Experience with deprotection, purification, and characterization processes.
• Proficiency with HPLC is required.
• Proficiency with mass spectrometry is required.
• BS/MS in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Highly motivated and capable of working effectively in a laboratory research environment.
• Ability to perform the core synthesis, purification, and characterization responsibilities without fundamental technical training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in research and development of RNAi therapeutics.
• Good understanding of nucleic acid therapeutic modalities.
• Knowledge of modification chemistries, sequence selection, and mechanisms of action.
• Experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Experience in large-molecule drug discovery.
• Experience in oligonucleotide delivery.
• Experience in bio-conjugation.
• Understanding and troubleshooting experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and impurity profiling.
• Knowledge of drug discovery processes.
• Inventory management experience.
• Oligonucleotide design experience.
• Experience from organizations performing relevant oligonucleotide synthesis work, including contract research organizations.

Interview Process:

• Initial 30-minute phone screen.
• Candidates who successfully complete the initial screen will interview with a team of four.
• Local candidates may be asked to participate onsite; candidates outside the immediate area may participate virtually.

About BEPC

BEPC Inc., founded in 2007, is a 100% employee-owned company providing top-tier consulting and staffing solutions across industries like technology, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. At BEPC, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We take pride in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where our team members thrive. With competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, BEPC is dedicated to supporting our employees' personal and professional growth.

Apply Now!

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting an up-to-date resume that highlights how your experience aligns with the role. Please include specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications. We look forward to connecting with you!