Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 55,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
Job Description
This is an exciting time to join the Eurofins Genomics LLC. The company is rapidly expanding oligonucleotide manufacturing to support the increasing demand of molecular diagnostics. You will work directly with some of the biggest companies in life sciences to manufacture and develop oligonucleotides (oligos) and support ever evolving needs. Eurofins Genomics LLC has been active in supporting pandemic relief with primers/probe production for SARS-CoV-02 in addition to being a key supplier of oligos for other diagnostic applications. We have also teamed up with our local community to support projects in SARS-CoV-02 community surveillance.
The Nucleic Acid Chemist will be an owner in area of expertise (oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, analysis and quality control). This position reports directly to the Principal Scientist.
General Overall Responsibilities:
Independently develop and execute experimental plans with minimal supervision
Manage the area priorities based on aligned company needs
Develop initial plan for customer projects in area of expertise
Innovate and introduce automation in order to reduce waste and improve efficiencies
Work with vendors to develop best practices for equipment in area
Responsible for IQ, OQ and PQ for synthesis, downstream manufacturing, and analytical equipment
Automate workflows in area to improve lead times and mitigate manual errors
Write SOPs and equipment plans. Train lab personnel. Maintain QMS documents as current.
Work with Environmental Health and Safety, EHS, to ensure area fully conforms to highest safety standards
Conduct QMS / EHS audits and complete assigned improvement actions
Synthesis Specific
Serve as subject matter expert for large scale AKTA, BLP, and Internal Synthesis Platforms
Monitoring and management of current synthesis machines to ensure operation at basic condition and detect deviations from basic condition
Development of new protocols that include new 3', internal, and 5' modifications within synthesis process
Development of new synthesis scales, frit development, plate loading automation, and synthesis column fill automation
Lead qualification of new materials including CPG, Amidites, and Reagents
Work with operations team for new projects to develop synthesis strategy
Lead cost reduction projects through reduction of reagents, maximization of yields
Liquid Handling and Automation Specific
Method development for oligo normalization, quantification using liquid handing equipment such as Hamilton Microlabs, Echo, TECANs etc.
Ability to develop new methods for deprotection/cleavage processes to suit various oligo modifications
Develop criteria that ensures liquid handling equipment maintains specification with triggered action on drift from basic condition
Train lab personnel on developed methods and transfer methods for high throughput and specialized production
Purification Specific
HPLC method development for specific DNA/RNA modifications, scales, lengths, and purity
Customization of method and mobile phases to maximize yields while maintaining quality
Develop new downstream workflows for automated larger scale purification process
Develop and implement other purification processes (PAGE, Cartridge, etc) that expand portfolio for purification
Qualifications
BS degree and 5+ years of experience or a PhD
Strong background in at least one of the following: HPLC (prep and anal.), liquid handling automation, MS-ESI, oligo synthesis, oligo cleavage/deprotection
Ability to perform under pressure of a fast paced production environment
PC-based computer literacy, including in Microsoft Windows, Excel Word and internal lab applications (E2, LIMS).
Proficient in working with Hazardous Chemicals
Other Job Qualifications:
Ability to train others in basic laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to multitask and maintain several projects at one time.
Excellentverbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with peers and all levels of management.
Preferences:
Previous experience working in an ISO-9000 or cGMP environment.
2+years of experience in a leadership role, ability to lift 35+ lbs
Previous oligonucleotide or peptide processing experience a plus
Additional Information
Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
Life and disability insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of Louisville, KY are encouraged to apply.
Eurofins is aM/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.