Oligonucleotide Synthesis Team Leader

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Team Leader – (Job Ref: 26N/TLOS)

Randox Laboratories continues to develop disruptive innovations in Diagnostics and Healthcare globally. We are proud to have been named the Number 1 company in Northern Ireland for the second consecutive year in the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies List for 2024. Our staff are at the heart of everything we do and achieve. We have a new opportunity for an Oligonucleotide Synthesis Team Leader, within our R&D team.

Location: 61 Largy Road, Crumlin, Co Antrim, BT29 4RR.

Contract Offered: Full-time, Permanent. 

Working Hours / Shifts: 7.30am to 6.10pm, Monday to Thursday However, some flexibility may be required.

What does this role involve?

This role is responsible for leading a team of scientists for the development, optimisation and implementation of methods for Oligonucleotide synthesis purification and analysis. The main duties of the role include: 

• Leading, supporting and developing the oligonucleotide synthesis team.
• Training of team members in all aspects of synthesis work. 
• Maintaining a high level of quality and safety within the team. 
• Driving continuous improvement. 
• Synthesis of oligonucleotides on automated platforms.
• Cleavage and deprotection of oligonucleotides following synthesis. 
• Purification of oligonucleotides by various methods such as desalt, cartridge and HPLC. 
• Quality assessments of synthesised oligonucleotides via LC-MS, HPLC and Capillary electrophoresis.
• Preparation of reagents and materials for synthesis, purification and QC. 
• Contribute to the ongoing advancement of the lab including development and implementation of procedures.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and purification challenges to improve yield, quality and efficiency. 
• Meet target timelines and deadlines. 
• Cooperate and collaborate with other teams on various projects.


Who can apply?

Essential criteria:

• Qualified to at least degree level in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a life-science related subject. 
• Strong analytical aptitude with an ability to work at the interface of chemistry and biology. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Be comfortable voicing opinions and sharing ideas with the rest of the team. 
• Excellent organisation skills. 
• High level of commitment and professional integrity. 
• Experience in the development of new laboratory processes. 


Desirable:

• Previous leadership experience. 
• Previous experience of project management. 
• Knowledge of solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis and phosphoramidite chemistry.
• Experience in peptide or oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Hands-on experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide conjugate chemistry.
• Expertise in characterisation and purification of oligonucleotides and their conjugates by LCMS and HPLC.
• PhD in a relevant Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or life-science subject.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety including CoSHH.
• Experience of method development in an industrial setting.