Senior Scientist I, Process Development

Axolabs is a business unit of LGC, and a leading provider of CRO / CDMO capability to the therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery and development industry. Centred out of LGC’s site in Kulmbach, Germany, Axolabs works closely with its customers to assist the identification and development of lead candidates with a broad suite of bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, manufacturing and analytical services that support discovery, pre-clinical and clinical trials and scale-up manufacture. With a track record in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics that traces back more than 20 years, Axolabs provides deep knowledge and expertise in the services it provides, working collaboratively and responsively with its clients to assist them in achieving their objectives. 

Axolabs facility in Petaluma is focused on manufacturing scale-up and production to cGMP of multigram to kilograms of API for pre-clinical and clinical development. Our site in California has been involved in oligonucleotide synthesis for three decades and established the therapeutics activity in 2019. With around 70 staff and two manufacturing trains, Axolabs offers a flexible manufacturing service out of Petaluma that draws where necessary on our industry and chemical and analytical expertise in Kulmbach.

Position Summary:

The Senior Scientist in LGC Axolabs Process Development will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in scale up/down solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, concentration, conjugation, and downstream processing steps in preparation for handover to routine manufacturing.

This role involves leading process development initiatives, providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams, and engaging with clients to ensure successful and timely execution of each assigned program.

LGC Axolabs has an extensive, ever-evolving global client base along with impressive technical capabilities within a state-of-the-art GMP facility. As the needs for the organization continue to grow, we are seeking technically adept and highly motivated candidates who can contribute to innovative solutions in oligonucleotide process development. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, proficient in advanced chemistry techniques, and experienced in oligonucleotide manufacturing. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, technical leadership, and direct interaction with clients to support their project needs.

Areas of Responsibility:

Routine tasks include leading process development of all unit operations of custom oligonucleotide manufacturing including but not limited to: solid phase synthesis, cleavage and deprotection, preparative HPLC purification, conjugation chemistry, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and lyophilization according to established project timelines. Also included will be sample preparation of samples to the Analytical Development Team and technical support provided to the manufacturing team for relevant programs.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Essential Functions: 

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in process development of oligonucleotide APIs, including research and implementation of novel techniques.
• Independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments, including use of DoE techniques.
• Lead technical discussions with internal teams and clients to define development strategies, troubleshoot challenges, and drive project deliverables.
• Author and review technical documentation, including client updates, project plans, QPPs, TDRs, and SOPs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Analytical Development, Quality Control, and Manufacturing) to integrate development solutions into oligonucleotide production workflows.
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant regulatory and pharmacopeia guidelines (FDA/ICH/USP) to ensure compliance across tech transfer activities.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists, supporting skill development and scientific excellence within the team.

Shift hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with 7+ years of applicable experience, or Master’s degree with 5+ years, or Ph.D. with 0–3 years of experience in a related field.
• Advanced technical understanding of oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and hands-on experience with relevant chemistry techniques, equipment, and methods.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with internal cross-functional teams and external partners
• Demonstrated dedication to scientific excellence and alignment with LGC’s core values and quality standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Filemaker Pro, IFS, and Excel
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and with the broader team
• Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deliverable timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence and alignment with LGC’s core values and quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical understanding of oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and hands-on experience with relevant chemistry techniques, equipment, and methods
• Working knowledge of ChemDraw and Unicorn software (Synthesis and Purification)
• Prior experience in a GMP-regulated environment within a CMO/CDMO or pharmaceutical manufacturing setting

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements outlined here reflect those that an employee must satisfy to effectively carry out the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing these essential duties.

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum: $93,750 USD per year

Maximum: $156,250 USD per year

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California-based position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, skills, and location.

About LGC:

LGC is a major international life sciences tools company, delivering key components and solutions to fast-growing application areas in human healthcare and applied market segments. Our high-quality product portfolio features important tools for genomic analysis and quality assurance applications, appreciated for their performance, quality, and scope.

Our values

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

Equal opportunities

At LGC, we hold the conviction that every applicant and employee should be appreciated for their distinct skills, regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental leave, religion, or belief. Shortlisting, interviewing, and selection procedures are consistently performed without bias toward gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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