Take a Look at Your Future with Quintara Biosciences
- At Quintara Biosciences, our mission is to empower the life sciences community through advanced DNA technologies-reading, writing, editing, and making DNA with precision and efficiency. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to scientific excellence.
- We're seeking an Oligo Synthesis Technician to join our Oligo Synthesis Team, playing a critical hands-on role in our custom oligonucleotide production workflows. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys operating specialized instrumentation (Dr. Oligo synthesizer), troubleshooting technical processes, and ensuring the highest quality synthetic DNA products.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Typical shifts: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM or 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Schedule may evolve to support changing workflows and operational needs
- Weekend shifts are part of the rotation; some team members will have regular weekend assignments
- Flexibility required: Occasional early mornings or late evenings to support instrument maintenance, batch runs, and urgent client requests. Adaptability is key.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operate the Dr. Oligo automated synthesizer and other platforms (e.g., MerMade) including reagent loading, protocol setup, and run initiation.
- Prepare and manage synthesis reagents, including phosphoramidites, activators (e.g., tetrazole), oxidizers, capping reagents, and deprotection solutions, following SOPs and safety protocols.
- Monitor synthesis runs in real time; identify and troubleshoot any errors or irregularities.
- Perform post-synthesis processing: deprotection, desalting, and purification (e.g., cartridge or HPLC).
- Quantify and qualify oligo products (UV spectrophotometry, PAGE); record yield and purity metrics.
- Maintain detailed batch records, instrument logs, and reagent inventories in LIMS or spreadsheets.
- Clean, calibrate, and perform routine preventive maintenance on synthesizers and associated lab equipment.
- Support method development, process optimization, and scale-up initiatives as needed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Previous experience in an oligonucleotide synthesis or nucleic-acid chemistry lab is a plus; otherwise, strong foundational lab skills and willingness to learn are essential.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Competence & Skills
- Familiarity with automated liquid-handling and synthesis platforms (Dr. Oligo, MerMade, etc.).
- Comfort handling small-volume reagents, solid-phase supports, and chromatography consumables.
- Experience with lab documentation and data entry using spreadsheets.
- Basic understanding of nucleic-acid chemistry and purification techniques.
- Professional Attitude
- Dependable and proactive, especially when managing unattended synthesis runs.
- Highly detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in concentrations, volumes, and documentation.
- Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset; able to hand off runs and share status with team members.
- Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to contribute to process improvements.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Report to: Patrick Zhang, Director
- Works with: Sequencing team members, cross-functional lab technicians, R&D, and quality assurance staff