Senior Staff Scientist

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

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The Senior Staff Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Development, is responsible for optimization of automated synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides for PCR applications.  The position will require deep theoretical knowledge of Nucleic Acids chemistry; the ideal candidate will have expertise in oligonucleotide process development and/or manufacturing. The role requires executing laboratory experimentation and writing process documentation.

This position is part of the Oligo R&D Department and will be located in Bothell, Washington. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to :

• Develop and improve processes for efficient synthesis, deprotection and purification of oligonucleotides, conduct verification experiments and draft SOPs. Maintain accurate notebooks and other electronic record keeping in accordance with FDA and international regulations (e.g., 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485) in support of Cepheid’s product development process
• Evaluate new analysis methods and equipment aligned with the current oligonucleotide processing protocols and/or methods that could be easily adopted/transferred to manufacturing
• Prepare reports, and draft slide decks and make presentations for periodic reviews, technical meetings and publications. Review and approve reports, protocols, etc. using product life cycle management software and/or electronic document management systems (e.g. Agile, Documentum, etc.)
• Work collaboratively while fostering professional, constructive relationships as part of a team while also working independently to meet challenging timelines and goals.
• Set the tone for a synergistic environment that values equity of voice, inclusive behaviors and trusting teams.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Synthetic Chemistry with 8+ years of experience in solid phase synthesis Or Master’s degree in Synthetic Chemistry with 6+ years of experience in solid phase synthesis Or Doctoral degree in Synthetic Chemistry with 3+ years of work experience in solid phase synthesis
• 5+ years of direct hands-on experience of the production and analysis of biomolecules (e.g., oligonucleotides, peptides, etc.) and formulations of nucleic acid-based products for pharmaceutical or diagnostic applications
• 5+ years of industry experience in a cGMP work environment with proven documentation competency
• Experience in mentoring junior associates
• Sound knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety practices, adherence to all chemical and lab safety regulations

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecule reagents
• Project management in regulated medical device or pharmaceutical industry
• Working in a highly productive team environment as an effective team player, understanding priorities and work to provide support to the team to realize long and short-term goals

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $115,000 to $158,000.  This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Washington.