Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry
Danaher Corporation
Summary
The Senior Scientist, Oligo Chemistry is responsible for contributing hands-on scientific expertise to the development, optimization, and characterization of oligonucleotide synthesis processes. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in organic chemistry—particularly phosphoramidite chemistry—and strong analytical skills, including high-resolution LC-MS, to support high-quality oligo production and continuous process improvement. The position plays a critical role in advancing core technology platforms, enabling new products and services, and driving scientific and commercial impact across the organization.
Job description
This position reports to the Director of Emerging Technologies and is part of the Emerging Technologies Team located in Sunnyvale, CA and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Design, execute, and optimize oligonucleotide synthesis workflows with a strong focus on phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase synthesis
- Apply organic chemistry principles to improve synthesis efficiency, yield, and product quality
- Develop and optimize post-synthesis process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification (e.g., cartridge, HPLC, or other relevant methods), utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and complementary analytical techniques to assess oligo identity, purity, and failure modes
- Contribute to evaluation and implementation of new reagents, chemistries, or process improvements for oligo synthesis platforms
- Other duties as assigned.
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
- Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide synthesis or closely related chemistry
- Strong practical expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase oligo synthesis along with a track record of safe laboratory practices
- Demonstrated experience using LC-MS (high-resolution preferred) to characterize oligos and diagnose synthesis or process issues
- Proven experience optimizing synthesis or downstream process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification
Travel & Physical/Environment Requirements:
- Ability to travel 10% time domestic and international
- Ability to occasionally lift, move or carry equipment up to 10lb
- Ability to frequently work in a laboratory environment for extended periods
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Background in high-throughput biology, automation, and NGS-based analysis.
- Working with prototype instrumentation and collaborating with engineers.
- Environmental health and safety coordination work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred
- Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in oligonucleotide synthesis or closely related chemistry
- Strong practical expertise in phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase oligo synthesis
- Track record of safe laboratory practices
- Demonstrated experience using LC-MS (high-resolution preferred) to characterize oligos and diagnose synthesis or process issues
- Proven experience optimizing synthesis or downstream process steps, including cleavage, deprotection, and purification
- Ability to travel 10% time domestic and international
- Ability to occasionally lift, move or carry equipment up to 10lb
- Ability to frequently work in a laboratory environment for extended periods
- Background in high-throughput biology, automation, and NGS-based analysis
- Working with prototype instrumentation and collaborating with engineers
- Environmental health and safety coordination work
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Bonus/incentive pay
Company overview
Danaher Corporation is a leading global science and technology innovator headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics. Founded in 1984 by brothers Steven and Mitchell Rales, the company has evolved from its origins as a manufacturing conglomerate into a premier healthcare technology organization with approximately 63,000 employees worldwide. Danaher operates through three core divisions: biotechnology (28% of revenues), which develops products for therapeutic development; life sciences (31% of revenues), focused on disease identification, new therapies, and drug testing/manufacturing; and diagnostics (41% of revenues), providing instruments, consumables, and software for disease diagnosis. The company's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Beckman Coulter, Cytiva, Pall Corporation, Cepheid, Leica Microsystems, and Abcam, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions globally. Danaher is distinguished by its Danaher Business System (DBS), a continuous improvement methodology that drives innovation and operational excellence. With 2024 revenues of $23.9 billion, the company ranks 180th on the Fortune 500 and plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, improving diagnostic capabilities, and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.