Research Associate - Oligonucleotide Chemistry
About this role
Role Location: Waltham, MA
The Company
We are Alloy Therapeutics—a biotechnology ecosystem company empowering the global scientific community to make better medicines together. Through a community of partners, we democratize access to pre-competitive tools, technologies, services, and company creation capabilities that are foundational for discovering and developing therapeutic biologics. The company facilitates affordable, non-exclusive access to the entire drug discovery community from academic scientists, small and medium biotech, to the largest biopharma. At Alloy, we believe our industry should compete on getting the best drugs to patients as quickly as possible, not exclusive access to the best platforms. As a reflection of our relentless commitment to the scientific community, we reinvest 100% of our revenue in innovation and access to innovation. MAY THE BEST DRUG WIN.
Alloy has evolved from a startup into a global biotechnology infrastructure company operating 11 divisions across 5 research sites in 4 countries on 3 continents. Our model - Integrated Independence - combines centralized capabilities with entrepreneurial operating divisions. Successful members thrive in our shared culture of accountability, deliberate trust, and open communication. As a team we aspire to work together to exceed expectations and collectively contribute across the global organization to always maintain our nimble, startup culture.
At Alloy, we have an ethos of “Mentorship-By-Apprenticeship” in all of our positions. We strive to have workers in the office when needed to interact organically and face-to-face. Of course, as a lab-based operation, our cells and animals grow 7 days a week, 365 days per year. We respect and value our colleagues for their hard work that requires them to be in the lab every day. We ask our people who have more flexible accommodations, like this position, to appreciate their colleagues who have less flexibility. We are all one team!
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our Nucleic Acid Chemistry team. The successful candidate will contribute to the synthesis, purification, formulation, and analytical characterization of modified oligonucleotides supporting discovery and early development programs.
Working in a fast-paced startup environment, the successful candidate will contribute to established workflows while developing expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis technologies, purification methods, and analytical characterization. This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and increasing scientific responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Desirable Qualifications
What Will Make You Successful Here
Taking Care of Our People
We support the individuality of what people need to do outside of work to empower them to do their best at work. While you focus on making better medicine together, we focus on programs and benefits that support a diverse and growing team. Whether you’re single, in a growing family, or nearing retirement, Alloy offers a variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits starting from day one.
Compensation
Alloy Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.
The Company
We are Alloy Therapeutics—a biotechnology ecosystem company empowering the global scientific community to make better medicines together. Through a community of partners, we democratize access to pre-competitive tools, technologies, services, and company creation capabilities that are foundational for discovering and developing therapeutic biologics. The company facilitates affordable, non-exclusive access to the entire drug discovery community from academic scientists, small and medium biotech, to the largest biopharma. At Alloy, we believe our industry should compete on getting the best drugs to patients as quickly as possible, not exclusive access to the best platforms. As a reflection of our relentless commitment to the scientific community, we reinvest 100% of our revenue in innovation and access to innovation. MAY THE BEST DRUG WIN.
Alloy has evolved from a startup into a global biotechnology infrastructure company operating 11 divisions across 5 research sites in 4 countries on 3 continents. Our model - Integrated Independence - combines centralized capabilities with entrepreneurial operating divisions. Successful members thrive in our shared culture of accountability, deliberate trust, and open communication. As a team we aspire to work together to exceed expectations and collectively contribute across the global organization to always maintain our nimble, startup culture.
At Alloy, we have an ethos of “Mentorship-By-Apprenticeship” in all of our positions. We strive to have workers in the office when needed to interact organically and face-to-face. Of course, as a lab-based operation, our cells and animals grow 7 days a week, 365 days per year. We respect and value our colleagues for their hard work that requires them to be in the lab every day. We ask our people who have more flexible accommodations, like this position, to appreciate their colleagues who have less flexibility. We are all one team!
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our Nucleic Acid Chemistry team. The successful candidate will contribute to the synthesis, purification, formulation, and analytical characterization of modified oligonucleotides supporting discovery and early development programs.
Working in a fast-paced startup environment, the successful candidate will contribute to established workflows while developing expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis technologies, purification methods, and analytical characterization. This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and increasing scientific responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform synthesis, deprotection, purification, formulation, and characterization of modified oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers and established protocols.
- Operate analytical instrumentation including HPLC, LC-MS,
UV-Vis spectrophotometers, gel electrophoresis, and AKTA purification systems. - Analyze experimental data to determine identity, purity, concentration, yield, and other critical quality attributes.
- Assist in troubleshooting and optimizing synthesis, purification, and analytical methods.
- Prepare oligonucleotide materials for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Maintain accurate experimental records, laboratory inventory, and equipment.
- Follow laboratory safety practices and contribute to SOP development and continuous process improvement.
- Collaborate with scientists across chemistry, biology, DMPK, and analytical sciences to support research objectives
Required Qualifications
- BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline with 1-3 years of relevant industry or academic research experience, or MS in a related discipline with 0–2 years of relevant experience.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analytical characterization, or related nucleic acid chemistry.
- Familiarity with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Mermade or equivalent).
- Basic understanding of phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry.
- Strong laboratory, troubleshooting, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with common oligonucleotide analytical techniques, including HPLC, gel electrophoresis, UV quantification, and LC-MS (preferred), is highly desirable.
- Experience with AKTA purification systems, ion-pair reverse-phase (IP-RP) or ion-exchange (IEX) chromatography.
- Experience with chemically modified oligonucleotides and/or oligonucleotide conjugation.
- Familiarity with laboratory automation or liquid handling systems.
What Will Make You Successful Here
- Passion for hands-on laboratory research and learning new technologies.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality scientific data.
- Curiosity and initiative in solving technical challenges.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic startup environment.
- Commitment to scientific integrity, teamwork, and laboratory safety.
Taking Care of Our People
We support the individuality of what people need to do outside of work to empower them to do their best at work. While you focus on making better medicine together, we focus on programs and benefits that support a diverse and growing team. Whether you’re single, in a growing family, or nearing retirement, Alloy offers a variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits starting from day one.
Compensation
- Competitive base and equity compensation commensurate with level of experience and independence
- 401(k) company match
- Generous personal and family medical, dental and vision benefits with 100% of premiums and deductibles covered
- Company-paid disability (STD, LTD) and life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Family planning support up to $45,000 (e.g., IVF/PGT, adoption, surrogacy, egg retrieval)
- Unlimited PTO (paid time off) and flexible schedules
- Annual stipend for continuing education with commitment to your career through individualized professional development plan
- Wellness and Extensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including resources for mental wellness
Pay Transparency
At Alloy Therapeutics, we believe in fostering trust and open communication. For this role, the estimated range is $65,000 - $80,000, with the final offer based on factors like your experience, skills, and alignment with our needs.
Additionally, this role is eligible for equity compensation, reflecting our commitment to shared success as we work together to make better medicines.
We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits, aiming to support our team’s professional and personal well-being. If you have any questions about pay or benefits, we’re here to help.
Company at a glance
Alloy Therapeutics is a biotechnology ecosystem company empowering the global scientific community to make better medicines together. From licensing our platforms, to working with us as a trusted discovery service partner, we have collaborated with over 170+ partners and counting including 18 of Fortune 50 Biopharmaceutical companies to enable the discovery of their next breakthrough biologic medicines.
With Alloy, you can
- Access our ever-growing stable of antibody and bispecific discovery platforms that blend in vivo and in vitro wet-lab capabilities with AI/ML. Discover with us through our services or by licensing our technologies for use in your lab.
- Unlock intracellular targets with the therapeutic potential of T cell receptor (TCR) modalities through our fully integrated Keyway™ TCRm discovery service offering.
- Reach genetic disease targets at the nucleic acid level with our novel AntiClastic™ ASO Format, which enhances the molecule's potency while minimizing off-target interaction and inflammatory response.
- Co-build new biotechnology companies that leverage our core platforms and service capabilities with Alloy's affiliated Venture Studio, 82VS.
Founded in 2017 and privately funded by visionary investors, Alloy is headquartered in Boston, MA, with labs in Cambridge, U.K.; Basel, CH; and Athens, GA. We reinvest 100% of our revenue back into innovation and access to innovation.
Reach out, follow, and visit our website, to learn more about how we can make better medicines, together.
Founded2017
Team Size51-200 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryBiotechnology Research
Location
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Websitealloytx.com
LinkedInLinkedIn
Top Benefits
- Competitive base and equity compensation
- 401(k) company match
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Company-paid disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Family planning support
- Unlimited PTO
- Flexible schedules
- Continuing education stipend
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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