Senior Scientist

NextGen Tides is an innovative biotech startup focused on oligonucleotide and peptide synthesis, conjugation technologies, and next‑gen modality services (ASO, siRNA, PMO, AOC, etc.). We are building a top‑tier, flexible CRO/CDMO platform that enables discovery‑to‑preclinical workflows for pharma, biotech, and academic partners worldwide. Position Summary The Principal/Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotides will establish analytical capability in separation science and characterization within NextGen Tides’s oligonucleotides platform supporting the synthesis group and customer requests. In this visible role, the candidate will be responsible for analytical and purification method development of novel modified oligonucleotides across multiple modalities including ASO, siRNA, PMO, and ligand‑oligo‑conjugation, leveraging high‑throughput automation and screening workflows. The selected individual will have direct experience with analysis, purification, and analytics of oligonucleotides and nucleoside analogs, and will demonstrate ability to work as part of an integrated team on multiple projects. Key Responsibilities Serve as the Lead Oligonucleotide Scientist in cross‑functional teams with accountability for oligo purification and analytical analysis. Take a leadership role in maintaining all aspects of analytical/purification instrumentation and operations in the oligonucleotide laboratory. Develop and maintain SOPs for processing, purification, and analytical characterization to ensure high‑quality and reproducible results. Establish and maintain high‑throughput automation workflows to support small and mid‑scale purification and analysis of ASOs, siRNA, PMO, and ligand‑oligo‑conjugation with routine and novel next‑generation amidite synthesis. Establish and routinely perform oligo purification using ÄKTA and analytical instrumentation. Troubleshoot, operate and oversee the interpretation of data from LC‑MS, as well as analytical and preparative HPLC. Work closely with synthesis and bioconjugation chemists to develop a seamless workflow to support manufacturing of novel targeting ligands (e.g., peptide). With the growth of NextGen Tides, train and/or build a small team of research associates to support oligo purification and analytical analysis capabilities. Supervise and/or lead associates in a cross‑functional team environment. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills. Convey novel innovations at the project team level. Qualifications & Experience Chemistry, or a related field. A minimum of 3+ (Senior Scientist) or 6+ (Principal Scientist) years of firsthand industry experience in modern synthetic chemistry methods, particularly in nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analysis in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings. Direct experience setting up and operating different instruments used in oligonucleotide purification (e.g., ÄKTA Avant/Pure with Unicorn Software, tangential flow filtration), analysis (e.g., UPLC, LC/MS, LC/HRMS), and related instrumentation. A dependable contributor to cross‑functional teams who embrace a collaborative culture while demonstrating autonomy and initiative required to deliver on assigned scientific and operational responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and complex scientific problems and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment. Prior experience in discovery of therapeutic oligonucleotides is highly desirable. Benefits Competitive base salary + commission Equity incentives for high performers 401(k) with employer contribution Health benefits and family medical coverage Vacation & PTO policy Opportunities to grow into principle/VP Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology #J-18808-Ljbffr