What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist position at Abbott?
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to :
Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement, the student debt program, and education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
Principal Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Scientist in Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Purification to join our dynamic team. This position is located in Des Plaines, IL on site. Our molecular division delivers best-in-class innovative testing solutions for people around the world to provide answers to life’s critical health decisions. We help people live full and healthy lives through our accessible, molecular-based solutions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides, ensuring high-quality, robust, and efficient production processes. This role requires a deep understanding of organic chemistry, particularly nucleotide and phosphor amidite chemistry, as well as expertise in operating automated synthesizers and various analytical and purification systems.
The Principal Scientist will also play a key leadership role in mentoring junior scientists and driving innovation within the team. They may eventually have one direct report as well.
Key Responsibilities :
Demonstrate technical and scientific knowledge in a highly regulated environment.
Develop and optimize oligonucleotide synthesis and purification processes at lab and manufacturing scale.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality control.
Validate manufacturing and QC methods for oligonucleotides intended for ultra-sensitive PCR diagnostic assays.
Lead and mentor a team of scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency and product quality.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project goals and timelines.
Stay current with advancements in oligonucleotide chemistry and related technologies.
The person hired will need to be highly motivated and flexible, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and provide novel creative solutions to challenging problems.
Qualifications :
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a related field with typically 6 years advanced research or industrial experience with extensive experience in nucleoside, nucleotide, and oligonucleotide chemistry; or M.S. degree with 10 years research or industry experience sufficient to demonstrate equivalency.
Over 5 years of experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification at lab and / or manufacturing scale.
Proficiency in operating automated DNA / RNA synthesizers.
Experience in implementing deprotection strategies during oligonucleotide purification.
Strong analytical and bioanalytical skills to characterize fluorescent labeled oligonucleotides using various techniques, including HPLC, LC-UV-HRMS, SEC / SAX / IPRP, and gel-based methods.
In-depth knowledge of various purification methods including reverse phase and ion exchange liquid chromatography.
Demonstrated working knowledge of techniques aimed at producing novel oligonucleotides and probes (base modified and 5’ and 3’ dye modifications) and small molecules.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a GMP-regulated environment.
Excellent troubleshooting skills for synthesis and purification processes and equipment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications :
Experience with liquid chromatography software including UNICORN and Empower.
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or similar.
Proven leadership skills with experience in mentoring and developing junior scientists.
