Researcher (Carlsbad)
JOB SUMMARY: Under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Process Development, performs hands-on process development, experimental and Research Use Only (RUO) batch manufacture, analytical testing, and data processing to support solid-support products and customer applications. This entry-level position develops broad capability through training and supervised practice, progressing to independent execution of assigned activities after demonstrated competency and in accordance with applicable procedures and safety requirements. Supports Business Development (BD) as needed through English-Mandarin communication, preparation of technical information, customer meeting documentation, and assistance with statements of work and development costing. Customer-facing technical information and proposed commitments are prepared for PD management review. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepares materials, reagents, solutions, equipment, and work areas for assigned experiments and batch activities; performs calculations and checks material identity, quantities, and equipment readiness. Executes assigned RUO and experimental solid-support manufacturing activities, including support loading, reaction monitoring, sampling, washing, filtration, drying, and packaging, following applicable procedures or study instructions. Maintains complete, accurate, and timely batch records, laboratory records, equipment logs, and sample traceability. Reviews executed batch and analytical records for completeness, calculation accuracy, and consistency within assigned training and responsibilities; brings discrepancies to PD management. Performs in-process and final release testing for RUO and experimental materials after training; compiles analytical results and supporting records for management review and disposition. Progressively cross-trains across established QC test methods for raw materials and loaded supports. Performs assigned sample preparation, instrument operation, testing, and result reporting in accordance with applicable methods and training requirements. Supports analytical method development, validation, verification, and transfer through assigned experimental execution, sample preparation, analytical testing, data processing, and documentation under technical direction. Processes and organizes raw analytical and process data; performs calculations, spreadsheet analyses, plotting, basic statistical summaries, and trending using established or assigned approaches. Checks units, formulas, transcription, and source traceability; identifies atypical results and prepares clear summaries for technical review. Supports process studies, product evaluations, investigations, and improvement activities by collecting observations, executing assigned trials, comparing results, and communicating issues and proposed improvements to the supervising technical staff. Maintains laboratory readiness through cleaning, equipment setup, routine care, inventory tracking, and appropriate chemical and waste handling. Coordinates assigned work with PD, QC, Manufacturing, and other functions as needed. Develops the ability to organize and independently execute assigned laboratory and batch activities following training and demonstrated competency; seeks guidance when results, equipment conditions, or instructions fall outside established expectations. Assists PD and BD with English-Mandarin communication and translation of correspondence, technical materials, and customer requests in support of business development in China. Prepares content for review and learns relevant product and scientific terminology through training. Prepares technical summaries and presentation materials, coordinates sample and evaluation information, and supports customer meetings as assigned. Takes and consolidates meeting notes, customer questions, and action items for PD management review and internal discussion. Assists with drafting statements of work and preliminary PD cost estimates using management-provided assumptions. Compiles and evaluates material, labor, equipment, testing, yield, and batch-scale inputs and their effect on unit cost for management review. Participates in customer visits and business travel, including potential travel to China and other Asian markets, to support technical discussions, documentation, and follow-up as assigned. As technical capability develops, assists with drafting or revising protocols, test methods, work instructions, and technical reports under PD guidance and review. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A. MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant coursework in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and quantitative data analysis. Prior industry experience is not required; recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Strong academic performance, particularly in relevant science, laboratory, and quantitative coursework, as demonstrated by course grades, GPA, Dean’s List recognition, academic honors, or comparable evidence of academic achievement. Hands-on laboratory coursework providing a foundation in safe laboratory practice, accurate measurement, following written procedures, and documenting results. Undergraduate research, relevant extracurricular activities, internships, and prior laboratory or other relevant work experience is preferred. Prior experience with solid supports, oligonucleotide chemistry, analytical instrumentation, or quality management system are advantageous. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES: Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese is required, including spoken communication and the ability to read and write accurately in English and Chinese. Must be able to support correspondence, meeting documentation, and communication with Mandarin-speaking customers and colleagues. Specialized scientific terminology may be learned through training. Foundational understanding of chemistry and laboratory practice, with the ability to learn solid-support manufacturing processes, analytical methods, instrument operation, and relevant safety requirements. Strong quantitative aptitude, including unit conversions, concentrations, dilutions, proportional calculations, basic statistics, and interpretation of tables and graphs. Working proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with particular aptitude for accurate data entry, spreadsheet formulas, data organization, plotting, and checking calculations. Ability to learn laboratory software and company information systems. Attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits; ability to preserve raw data and traceability, recognize inconsistencies, and communicate observations accurately. Ability to read, understand, and follow safety instructions, standard operating procedures, test methods, and experimental instructions; exercise sound judgment and request clarification when needed. Ability to learn through instruction and feedback, develop independence within demonstrated competency, and recognize when technical guidance or escalation is necessary. Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to prepare concise data summaries, correspondence, meeting notes, and action items for management review while handling company and customer information appropriately. Ability to organize assigned work, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing laboratory and business priorities while working effectively with a small team and cross-functional colleagues. Ability to learn basic process costing and unit economics, including how material consumption, labor, equipment use, analytical testing, yield, and scale affect project and unit costs. CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSES: None required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT: (Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) This is a full-time, on-site position. Occasional remote work may be permitted on an ad hoc basis with management approval, depending on assigned duties and business needs. This position requires frequent sitting at a desk using a computer. Must be able to stand and walk frequently to observe equipment, conduct rounds, and record log entries. Ability to frequently lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Ability to occasionally lift items over 100 pounds with assistance and/or mechanical lifting devices. Ability to occasionally lift items overhead up to 50 pounds . Ability to bend and twist at the waist/squat/kneel/crawl/climb occasionally up to 3 hours a day. Ability to push, pull, and reach occasionally, up to 3 hours a day. Ability to deviate wrist (side to side) and conduct hand/wrist repetitions (up and down) occasionally, up to 3 hours a day. Ability to firmly grasp objects with a force greater than 50 pounds . Gross motor hand manipulation of moderate-heavy strength is required to use various tools. Fine hand manipulation of light-moderate strength is required to operate touch screen displays. Must be able to see/focus for close eye work (small figures), discriminate colors, and perceive dep
