Oligonucleotide Synthesis Chemist Postdoctoral Research Fellow

OLIGONUCLEOTIDE SYNTHESIS CHEMIST POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW

Job Summary

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Core is a newly initiated program at the University of Michigan to design and synthesize nucleic acid therapeutic molecules for early stage research and development. Our team seeks a highly motivated Oligonucleotide Synthesis Chemist Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be part of building our dynamic, collaborative, and service-oriented core facility from the ground up. You will be pivotal in building our cutting-edge oligo synthesis platform?enabling ASO, siRNA, and CRISPR guide RNA generation to support translational science on campus and beyond.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Who We Are

Impactful Work: Be at the forefront of nucleic acid therapeutic development in a major research university environment.

Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with top-tier scientists, both on campus and through external partnerships.

Core-Building Opportunity: Shape the vision, systems, and services of a new academic core?your ideas will directly influence our trajectory.

Career Development: Gain leadership experience in operational management, technical innovation, and training.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day

Retirement savings opportunities

Responsibilities*

What You'll Do

Lead Core Development & Operations

Collaborate with leadership on core infrastructure planning?recommending equipment, defining flows, and developing lab systems.

Serve as a key contributor in setting up the automated DNA/RNA synthesis pipeline (e.g., Dr. Oligo systems).

Hands-On Synthetic Chemistry & QC

Operate and maintain automated DNA/RNA synthesizers to produce custom oligonucleotides.

Purify products using HPLC (RP, AEX), PAGE, and other advanced chromatographic methods.

Conduct rigorous QC flows (UV-Vis, LC-MS, mass spec) to confirm identity, purity, and yield.

Scientific Collaboration & Project Oversight

Interface with internal and external stakeholders to design oligo modifications aligned with project goals.

Support experimental design and data analysis to ensure robust technical outcomes.

Resource Management & Compliance

Maintain inventory of reagents and supplies; optimize ordering and project scheduling to meet service expectations.

Monitor instrument performance, oversee routine maintenance, and coordinate vendor support.

Uphold SOPs, aseptic protocols, and university safety guidelines.

Growth & Mentorship

Contribute to continuous improvement of core services?identifying innovation opportunities and flow efficiencies.

Mentor junior staff and train new users as the core scales.

Required Qualifications*

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline

Direct experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), preferably using automated synthesizers such as Dr. Oligo.

Expertise in downstream analytics (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis).

Strong foundation in nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.

Demonstrated project management skills?organized, detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills?comfortable interacting with researchers at all levels.

Desired Qualifications*

Background in a core facility, CRO, or shared- resource environment.

Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN), LIMS, or other quality systems.

Experience in mentoring or supervising junior scientists.

Work Locations

Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Core - University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the .