Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Company:

Chronic kidney diseases are a severe and growing worldwide health challenge that affects 1 in 7 people. Without effective treatments, patients can experience kidney failure leading to dialysis and transplantation, a high burden to patients, families, and the healthcare system. Despite recent advances for certain kidney disease patients, many forms of highly prevalent kidney diseases do not have effective treatments.

Borealis was founded on the premise that a convergence of scientific and translational breakthroughs will enable RNA therapeutics to address some of the largest untreated kidney diseases and beyond. Borealis builds on the success of Chinook Therapeutics, a kidney disease company with a research site in Vancouver that was acquired by Novartis in 2023 for up to $3.5 billion. The Borealis team has strong leadership and academic advisors who were central to research at Chinook, together with additional leadership in the field of RNA therapeutics. We are headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with state-of-the-art wet labs for molecular and cellular biology, in vivo pharmacology, chemistry, DMPK, bioinformatics, and analytical capabilities.

We are a creative and innovative team that strives for excellence in all we do and has fun along the way. Our core focus is on helping patients and advancing science. For more information on Borealis, check out our sites borealisbio.com & LinkedIn.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most innovative talent on our team. We are building a diverse and inclusive workforce – come and be a part of our growth! We strongly encourage candidates with less traditional backgrounds or those who may meet the qualifications in a different way to apply.

Position:

Borealis Biosciences is seeking a skilled, team-oriented, and lab-based scientist with expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry to join the chemistry group in Vancouver, BC. The key responsibilities for this position will be the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of phosphoramidites and oligonucleotides incorporating phosphoramidites. The candidate should have a proven track record of scientific productivity with extensive hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of nucleic acid chemistry techniques, as well as the operation of lab-scale oligonucleotide synthesis and purification systems. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative biotech environment with a focus on RNA medicines for kidney disease.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the development of Borealis Bio’s oligonucleotide chemistry platform.
• Independent phosphoramidite design, synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Perform oligonucleotide solid-phase synthesis, C&D, purification, characterization, desalting, lyophilization, and delivery of high-quality and chemically modified oligonucleotides at low to mid scales for in vitro and in vivo testing.
• Operate independently in the lab using standard modern oligonucleotide synthesizers (Mermade, K&A, Cytiva), purifiers (HPLC, Akta), and analysis (HPLC, LCMS).
• Explore and improve existing and new technologies for high-throughput synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Prepare formulations and perform QC testing of oligonucleotides to support in vivo studies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with DMPK, Biology, and In Vivo Pharmacology teams to advance Borealis Bio’s early research activities and preclinical development.
• Independently run laboratory experiments to support and advance discovery efforts.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and standard operating procedures, helping maintain general laboratory functionality, including lab equipment maintenance.

Location:

• This is an on-site, lab-based position located in Borealis’ Vancouver, BC headquarters. Much of your time will be spent conducting wet lab work.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or equivalent discipline with a focus on nucleic acid chemistry and a minimum of 1 year of directly related industry experience; MSc in Chemistry and a minimum of 5 years direct experience; or other equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Solid understanding of oligonucleotide chemistry and RNA biology with an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art chemical modifications in oligonucleotide therapeutics. Experience with oligonucleotide bioconjugation chemistries such as lipid, peptide, or antibody preferred.
• Must have hands-on experience in running, maintaining, and troubleshooting low- and high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis machinery and routine laboratory instruments such as HPLC/UPLC, UV-Vis, LCMS.
• Prior experience establishing an oligonucleotide synthesis laboratory is highly desirable.
• Ability to solve challenges in the field of nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide technology.
• Good time management and communication skills.
• Positive attitude and high personal and ethical standards.
• A strong team player with a passion for science and drug discovery.

Compensation: The annual salary range is $113,000 – 131,000 and Borealis Bio provides competitive benefits including RRSP matching, extended medical, dental, vision, and a Wellness Spending Account up to $1,800 per year.

Borealis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are committed to fostering an environment where ALL people are welcome and supported. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results. Creativity and innovation flourish in an environment of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect.