Research Associate to Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist

SUMMARY:
Brii Bio is seeking a skilled oligonucleotide chemist for our growing drug discovery team.  The individual will be working in our state-of-the-art discovery laboratory in Shanghai, China.  The successful candidate for this position will be an expert in design, synthesis and purification of oligonucleotide constructs including small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) modalities.  Additionally, the right candidate will have experience in analytical methods including development of new protocols for the full characterization of product constructs. A knowledge of the contemporary methodologies used for oligonucleotide synthesis is a must including solid phase chemistries and post-synthetic ligation approaches.  The candidate will need to work independently and make decisions on how to design molecules and synthetic approaches to produce the target compounds with high purity. This individual also needs to have experience setting up, operating and maintaining state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesizer equipment including a knowledge of the latest advances in equipment designs and features.  This role will be part of an experienced drug discovery team and offers the opportunity to develop new skills and obtain experience and expertise as part of a global multidisciplinary pharmaceutical research team. The individual will have a strong background in scientific research with a proven ability to organize, analyze and interpret results, come forward with recommendations and present his/her findings cross-functional in team meetings. This role will require working closely with a diverse discovery team to incorporate new technologies to facilitate the progression of novel preclinical candidates that allow for maximal therapeutic impact and differentiation for patients.  The role requires strict compliance with the high data integrity standards established at Brii Biosciences including careful documentation of plans, results and observations along with downstream analyses in our fully integrated electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) system.  The candidate must have good organizational, writing and communication abilities to communicate results and ideas with other team members including non-scientists.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Synthesis of novel oligonucleotide analogs.
•    Design, set-up and preparation of libraries of oligonucleotide analogs.
•    Purification of oligonucleotide drug analogs.
•    Explore incorporation of novel RNA monomers and other chemistries to design and generate compounds to drive biological understanding including in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models.
•    Scale up initial library amounts to supply sufficient drug quantities for advanced in vitro and in vivo studies as needed.
•    Optimize synthesis conditions to improve yields and purity.
•    Develop analytical methods for purification and characterization of oligonucleotide drug molecules
•    Independently design, plan, and execute in vivo studies and analyze pharmacological, pharmacokinetic and toxicology results to address scientific questions.
•    Ensure all data and results are carefully documented in Brii electronic lab notebook systems.
•    Demonstrate creative ‘out of the box’ thinking to solve problems and modify experimental plans when required to achieve project goals.
•    Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, and controlled drug where applicable.
•    Comply with Brii Biosciences environmental health and safety policies and operate in a safe manner.
•    Prepare, and deliver scientific presentations for internal/external use.
•    Collaborate and manage external CRO teams.
•    Work cross-functionally in complex and fast-paced research organization.
•    Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in the field.

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Master’s degree in chemistry and 1+ year (preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry with 3+ years of post-degree experience, preferably in industry working in oligonucleotide synthesis.
•    Demonstrated track record of scientific research or publications (preferred).
•    Proficiency in chromatographic purification and analytical characterization methods.
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
•    Solid track record of completing challenging technical problems.
•    Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills and ability to work efficiently and productively in a dynamic, scientifically rigorous, and fast-paced environment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Brii Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for team members from all backgrounds.