Job Summary
The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Core is a newly initiated program at the University of Michigan to design and synthesize nucleic acid therapeutic molecules for early stage research and development. Our team seeks a highly motivated Oligonucleotide Synthesis Chemist Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be part of building our dynamic, collaborative, and service-oriented core facility from the ground up. You will be pivotal in building our cutting-edge oligo synthesis platform?enabling ASO, siRNA, and CRISPR guide RNA generation to support translational science on campus and beyond.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Who We Are
- Impactful Work: Be at the forefront of nucleic acid therapeutic development in a major research university environment.
- Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with top-tier scientists, both on campus and through external partnerships.
- Core-Building Opportunity: Shape the vision, systems, and services of a new academic core?your ideas will directly influence our trajectory.
- Career Development: Gain leadership experience in operational management, technical innovation, and training.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- Retirement savings opportunities
Responsibilities*
What You'll Do
- Lead Core Development & Operations
- Collaborate with leadership on core infrastructure planning?recommending equipment, defining workflows, and developing lab systems.
- Serve as a key contributor in setting up the automated DNA/RNA synthesis pipeline (e.g., Dr. Oligo systems).
- Hands-On Synthetic Chemistry & QC
- Operate and maintain automated DNA/RNA synthesizers to produce custom oligonucleotides.
- Purify products using HPLC (RP, AEX), PAGE, and other advanced chromatographic methods.
- Conduct rigorous QC workflows (UV-Vis, LC-MS, mass spec) to confirm identity, purity, and yield.
- Scientific Collaboration & Project Oversight
- Interface with internal and external stakeholders to design oligo modifications aligned with project goals.
- Support experimental design and data analysis to ensure robust technical outcomes.
- Resource Management & Compliance
- Maintain inventory of reagents and supplies; optimize ordering and project scheduling to meet service expectations.
- Monitor instrument performance, oversee routine maintenance, and coordinate vendor support.
- Uphold SOPs, aseptic protocols, and university safety guidelines.
- Growth & Mentorship
- Contribute to continuous improvement of core services?identifying innovation opportunities and workflow efficiencies.
- Mentor junior staff and train new users as the core scales.
Required Qualifications*
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
- Direct experience in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), preferably using automated synthesizers such as Dr. Oligo.
- Expertise in downstream analytics (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis).
- Strong foundation in nucleic acid chemistry, organic synthesis, and molecular biology.
- Demonstrated project management skills?organized, detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills?comfortable interacting with researchers at all levels.
Desired Qualifications*
- Background in a core facility, CRO, or shared- resource environment.
- Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN), LIMS, or other quality systems.
- Experience in mentoring or supervising junior scientists.
Work Locations
Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Core - University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Working Conditions
- Laboratory-based role using chemical reagents, automated synthesizers, HPLC, mass spectrometry, etc.
- Occasional light lifting, and time at computers for data analysis and documentation.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Selection Process
Hiring managers: Michelle Hastings Ph.D. and Katelyn Lacy Ph.D.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.