Research Associate – Chemistry/Biochemistry

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

• Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO

• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution

• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II –Chemistry/Biochemistry to join our Research & Development team in San Diego, California. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will support the synthesis, purification, characterization, and evaluation of oligonucleotides used in diagnostic applications. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality oligonucleotide reagents that enable the development of innovative diagnostic technologies

What You'll Do

• Perform synthesis of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides using automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
• Conduct oligonucleotide cleavage, deprotection, purification, and characterization using established laboratory methods.
• Purify oligonucleotides using reverse-phase HPLC, ion-exchange HPLC, or cartridge-based purification systems.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, LC-MS, and related analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including experimental procedures, synthesis records, yields, and quality-control results.
• Support assay development and product development teams by providing high-quality oligonucleotide and technical feedback.
• Execute biochemical experiments and sample preparation procedures under supervision.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance and calibration

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 2-5 years of laboratory experience in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields.
• Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, cleavage, and deprotection techniques.
• Familiarity with analytical characterization methods such as HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality results.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining automated oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Dr. Oligo, MerMade, or equivalent systems).
• Hands-on experience with post-synthetic oligonucleotide modification and conjugation chemistry involving fluorophores, quenchers, or other ligands.
• Strong understanding of solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis processes and common oligonucleotide modifications, including fluorescent labels.
• Experience with oligonucleotide purification using reverse-phase and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Proficiency with analytical platforms including Agilent, and/or ÄKTA chromatography systems.
• Experience with LC-MS analysis for oligonucleotide characterization.
• Knowledge of solid-phase organic synthesis principles and their application to oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Experience supporting diagnostic assay development or molecular diagnostics projects