Posted August 09, 2026
Sr. Scientist / Assistant Director, AD/QC
BioPhase Solutions
San Diego, CA, US
Full Time
Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Scientist to join our Analytical Development & Quality Control group. This individual will bring deep expertise in analytical chemistry applied to oligonucleotide therapeutics, with hands-on proficiency across a suite of advanced instrumentation including QTOF-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, and GC. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and validating analytical methods for oligonucleotide drug substances and starting materials, characterizing reference standards, conducting analytical investigations, and contributing to CMC regulatory submissions — all within a GMP environment. This role requires a high degree of scientific independence, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and validate analytical methods for oligonucleotide drug substances, starting materials, and related impurities using ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC, LC-MS, QTOF-MS, GC, and MALS.
- Apply high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometry for accurate mass determination, sequence confirmation, and detailed impurity profiling of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and related analogs.
- Utilize MALS (Multi-Angle Light Scattering) for molecular weight determination and aggregation characterization of oligonucleotide drug substances.
- Characterize new reference standards using a broad range of orthogonal analytical techniques including UV, MS, NMR, and hyphenated LC techniques.
- Conduct routine and non-routine analysis of raw materials and starting material samples; review data for compliance to established specifications.
- Design and execute analytical investigations, including out-of-specification (OOS) and out-of-trend (OOT) investigations, with thorough root cause analysis and CAPA development.
- Author scientific reports, analytical method validation packages, and contribute to CMC sections of IND, NDA, and MAA regulatory filings.
- Write and revise SOPs, analytical methods, equipment procedures, and material specifications in accordance with GMP requirements.
- Develop stability-indicating methods and contribute to stability programs for oligonucleotide drug substances and drug products.
- Present scientific findings at internal project meetings and cross-functional team discussions; contribute to external publications and conference presentations as appropriate.
- Serve as an analytical subject matter expert on cross-functional teams spanning process development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry; or an M.S. with 8+ years of industry experience.
- Required: demonstrated hands-on experience in analytical development for oligonucleotide therapeutics (ASOs, siRNA, or related modalities). Candidates with oligonucleotide experience will be prioritized.
- Advanced proficiency with QTOF mass spectrometry for oligonucleotide characterization, impurity identification, and accurate mass analysis.
- Expertise in ion-pair reversed-phase LC-MS for oligonucleotide purity, assay, and impurity profiling, including method development and validation.
- Skilled in HPLC and GC method development and validation; familiarity with multiple detection modes (UV, fluorescence, CAD, MS).
- Thorough understanding of ICH guidelines (Q1, Q2, Q6) and FDA method validation requirements, including phase-appropriate strategies.
- Practical knowledge of GMP requirements; hands-on GMP laboratory experience strongly preferred.
- Experience authoring CMC sections of regulatory submissions (INDs, NDAs, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
- Strong problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet aggressive timelines across concurrent projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex scientific data clearly to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a matrix environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with 2D-LC or multidimensional chromatographic separations for complex oligonucleotide impurity profiling.
- Familiarity with accelerated stability assessment programs (ASAP) for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Knowledge of oligonucleotide chemical modifications including phosphorothioate backbones, 2'-modifications, and GalNAc conjugates.
- Experience with Empower, MassLynx, or equivalent chromatography data systems.
- Publication record or conference presentations in oligonucleotide analytics or related fields.
Salary
$120,000 to $180,000
