Company Overview:
Prime Medicine is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to creating and delivering the next generation of gene editing therapies to patients. The Company is leveraging its proprietary Prime Editing platform, a versatile, precise and efficient gene editing technology, to develop a new class of differentiated, one-time, potentially curative genetic therapies. Designed to make only the right edit at the right position within a gene while minimizing unwanted DNA modifications, Prime Editors have the potential to repair almost all types of genetic mutations and work in many different tissues, organs and cell types.
Prime Medicine is currently progressing a diversified portfolio of eighteen programs initially focused on genetic diseases with a fast, direct path to treating patients or with a high unmet need because they cannot be treated using other gene-editing approaches. Over time, the Company intends to maximize Prime Editing’s therapeutic potential and advance potentially curative therapeutic options to patients for a broad spectrum of diseases. For more information, please visit www.primemedicine.com.
Position Summary:
Prime Medicine seeks a passionate and accomplished Scientist to join our guide RNA chemistry team and work with an enthusiastic team of highly skilled scientists in a dynamic and high-growth company. This position is a hands-on role, and the successful candidate will have deep knowledge and experience in the synthesis, purification, and downstream processing of long guide RNA to advance our cutting-edge gene editing drug discovery programs. The ideal candidate will work in a team and/or independently to help grow our internal guide RNA synthesis capabilities. Core competencies include an ability to function in an interdisciplinary and fast-paced environment coupled with a proactive and collaborative approach. This position will be based in our Watertown, MA location.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform purification, desalting, lyophilization, and analysis of research-scale long guide RNA with different chemical modifications using various techniques, including reverse-phase and ion-exchange HPLCs, UPLC, LCMS, etc.
- Design and execute solid-phase synthesis of long guide RNA with various chemical modifications using automated synthesizers such as MerMade 12, Dr. Oligo 48, etc.
- Method development and optimization for improved synthesis, purification, and analysis of long oligonucleotides and their conjugates.
- Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment, purification, and analytical instruments such as Agilent HPLC system, AKTA purifier, UPLC, LCMS, and other state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, ensuring proper use and performance.
- Track progress, generate regular status updates, communicate the progress, and present data in both written and oral formats at cross-functional team meetings.
- Prepare SOPs, organize experimental data, and maintain a well-documented electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
- Prepare various buffers accurately and consistently for guide RNA purification and analysis.
- Conduct laboratory experiments safely and efficiently, ensuring a safe working environment for colleagues.
- Highly motivated and productive in a fast-paced work environment.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field and 2+ years of industry or academic experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related fields with excellent understanding of nucleic acids chemistry and 5+ years of chemistry laboratory experience or BS/BA in Chemistry or related fields with 6+ years of chemistry laboratory experience in an industrial or academic setting.
- Excellent experience in oligonucleotide purification techniques, including reverse-phase and ion-exchange chromatography.
- Strong analytical skills and experience analyzing long oligonucleotides using LCMS, UPLC, and other relevant analytical techniques.
- Excellent experience in solid-phase synthesis of long oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers.
- Proficiency in handling, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of critical instrumentation such as automated HPLCs, UPLCs, LCMS, oligonucleotide synthesizers, etc.
- Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to producing pure and high-quality guide RNA oligonucleotides.
- A strong background in nucleic acid chemistry and oligonucleotide drug discovery activities.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
- High degree of flexibility, self-motivation, and work well in a fast-paced work environment.
- Proficient in data analysis and ELN record-keeping with good documentation practices.
- Possesses exemplary communication and presentation skills.
Prime Medicine is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
