Associate Scientist: Oligonucleotide Chemistry - job 2 of 2

As an Associate Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry at Eurofins, your key responsibilities include assisting in the synthesis of oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers, performing purification through methods like FPLC and HPLC, conducting analytical assays with LC-MS to ensure quality, maintaining accurate records of all experiments, and collaborating with your team on ongoing projects. Each task is aimed at producing high-quality products that make a real difference in biopharmaceutical applications.

To qualify for the Associate Scientist position at Eurofins, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree with 2 to 6 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 2 to 3 years of experience. Hands-on experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis and purification techniques such as FPLC and HPLC is crucial. Additionally, proficiency in operating automated synthesizers and familiarity with LC-MS for analysis are essential for success in this role.

An Associate Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry at Eurofins should possess strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to follow established protocols precisely. Effective communication skills are vital for collaborating with team members and conveying complex technical information. Additionally, good scientific thinking and troubleshooting abilities are important for addressing challenges throughout the synthesis and purification processes.

The work environment for Associate Scientists at Eurofins is dynamic and supportive. Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous professional growth while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You’ll be part of a collaborative team where your ideas and contributions are valued, and you’ll have access to the tools and resources needed to excel in your role. The company fosters a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, making it an exciting place to advance your career.

Associate Scientists at Eurofins can expect a competitive benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision options, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation and holidays. The company prioritizes employee well-being and satisfaction, ensuring that team members have the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

When responding to this question, highlight your specific experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, detailing the techniques you are proficient in. Discuss any relevant projects or roles where you utilized automated synthesizers and purification methods like FPLC and HPLC. Be sure to mention how you ensured quality and accuracy throughout the synthesis process, which will demonstrate your familiarity and expertise in this area.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. Describe any specific challenges you've encountered during purification, such as yield loss or contamination issues. Then, explain the steps you took to address these challenges, including adjustments to protocols or the implementation of new techniques. This shows you're capable of critical thinking and can handle unexpected difficulties that may arise in the lab.

Effective documentation is crucial in scientific research. When answering this question, emphasize your organization skills and attention to detail. Describe your approach to maintaining accurate and detailed records, your familiarity with laboratory compliance standards, and how you ensure all documentation is kept up to date and meets company and regulatory guidelines. Providing examples from your previous experiences can add credibility to your response.

Collaboration is a key aspect of any scientific role. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to outline a specific situation where teamwork was essential. Describe the context, your role, the steps you took to communicate effectively with your team, and the positive outcome of your collaboration. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and commitment to working effectively with others.

When discussing troubleshooting, emphasize your analytical thinking and methodical approach. Share a specific instance where you encountered a problem during an experiment, describe your thought process in identifying the issue, and highlight the steps you took to resolve it. Mention any tools or techniques that you used, as this shows that you have a hands-on understanding of troubleshooting procedures.

Prioritization is crucial in a busy lab environment. Detail your strategy for managing multiple projects, such as creating to-do lists, setting deadlines based on project importance, or using project management software. Explain how you assess the urgency and impact of tasks to ensure that you meet deadlines while maintaining the quality of your work.

Your motivation for working in this field can set you apart. Share your passion for science and how it drives you to contribute to biopharmaceutical advancements. Discuss your interest in oligonucleotide chemistry and its applications in medicine, and explain how your values align with Eurofins' mission to enhance health and safety globally.

It's important to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Talk about the resources you utilize to stay informed, such as scientific journals, workshops, and conferences. If you participate in discussions or networks within the field, mention these as well, as it shows your motivation to grow professionally and stay abreast of innovations.

Training others is a vital part of collaboration in science. Share a specific example of a situation where you trained a colleague or new hire on protocols related to oligonucleotide synthesis or purification. Discuss your approach to teaching, such as providing hands-on demonstrations and offering resources, and highlight the positive outcomes from your training efforts.

Discuss your direct experience with LC-MS, emphasizing any specific applications you've used it for in the context of oligonucleotide analysis. Explain the importance of LC-MS in verifying the quality and identity of synthesized products and your understanding of the data it provides. This will demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge relevant to the Associate Scientist role.