Associate/Senior Associate Scientist/Engineer, Oligonucleotide Process Chemistry

Posted:
11/13/2024, 4:32:13 AM

Location(s):
Watertown, Massachusetts, United States ⋅ Massachusetts, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Biology & Biotech ⋅ Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

Company Overview:

Prime Medicine is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to creating and delivering the next generation of gene editing therapies to patients. The Company is leveraging its proprietary Prime Editing platform, a versatile, precise and efficient gene editing technology, to develop a new class of differentiated, one-time, potentially curative genetic therapies. Designed to make only the right edit at the right position within a gene while minimizing unwanted DNA modifications, Prime Editors have the potential to repair almost all types of genetic mutations and work in many different tissues, organs and cell types.  

Prime Medicine is currently progressing a diversified portfolio of eighteen programs initially focused on genetic diseases with a fast, direct path to treating patients or with a high unmet need because they cannot be treated using other gene-editing approaches. Over time, the Company intends to maximize Prime Editing’s therapeutic potential and advance potentially curative therapeutic options to patients for a broad spectrum of diseases. For more information, please visit www.primemedicine.com.

Position Overview

We are actively seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Associate/Senior Associate Scientist/Engineer to join the process chemistry team for guide RNA synthesis. The individual will work under the training and guidance of a senior level scientist and execute experiments to produce high purity long guide RNAs to support Prime’s programs. This is a hands-on role in the highly equipped oligonucleotide chemistry laboratory where the successful candidate will gain the strong ability to perform the job for (1) solid-phase synthesis of guide RNA on Mermade12 DNA/RNA synthesizer in a high-throughput manner, (2) chemical deprotection and (3) purification of guide RNA on Akta purification system and then (4) enzymatic ligation. The individual will present the data in the departmental and cross functional meetings. This role 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:

  • Perform solid-phase synthesis, chemical deprotection, purification and delivery of high-purity guide RNAs in low micromole scale to support in vitro and in vivo studies
  • Obtain initial training from the senior level scientist and then work independently as part of a team in the lab with Modern equipment such as Mermade12 synthesizer, Akta Purifier, and analytical UPLC & LC-Mass
  • Conduct guide RNA production in a high-throughput manner to support Prime’s various programs.
  • Read scientific articles/protocols to increase knowledge and implement the continuously improve the high-throughput productivity for high quality guide RNA syntheses.
  • Present experimental data in cross-functional internal team meetings
  • Trouble shoot and maintain Mermade12 synthesizers, AKTA purifiers and other lab equipment in good operational conditions.
  • Actively coordinate with manager to plan and execute experiments in a timely manner.
  • Conduct laboratory work in safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment for colleagues
  • Become highly engaged and productive in a fluid and fast-paced work environment
  • Maintain electronic notebook, document, and project reports

Qualifications

  • BS with 0-4+ or MS with 0-2+ years of industry experiences in chemistry or related discipline
  • Prior experience on the Mermade12 synthesizer, RNA chemical deprotection and purification of oligonucleotides in a high-throughput manner will be a plus
  • Familiarity with analytical techniques UPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis is preferred.
  • Highly self-motivated, driven, can-do, make it happen attitude with ability to own and drive projects in a team setting.
  • Capable of continuous learning, open-minded, curious, highly organized, and detail oriented.

Prime Medicine is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.