Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned academic institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Helix Foundry within the Mellon College of Science is a shared research laboratory dedicated to enabling the design, solid-phase chemical synthesis, purification, quality control, and distribution of oligonucleotides including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNAs for investigators across Carnegie Mellon University as well as external collaborators and clients. The Foundry provides researchers with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and technical expertise to accelerate studies in RNA biology, molecular therapeutics, genomics, neuroscience, and related disciplines. Through standardized workflows, workforce development, and high-quality ASO production, the Helix Foundry serves as a core resource supporting interdisciplinary research and innovation.
The Helix Foundry is seeking a Production Scientist to join the team. The Production Scientist will be involved in daily laboratory operations and support high throughput oligonucleotide and ASO synthesis services for researchers across the university. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized instrumentation used for oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, analytical characterization, and sample preparation while ensuring efficient laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality scientific output. The Production Scientist will also coordinate ASO production requests and maintain laboratory records, supplies, and equipment.
Core Responsibilities
Operate automated oligonucleotide synthesizers to produce antisense oligonucleotides following established laboratory protocols.
Perform post-synthetic processing, purification, quality control, concentration, lyophilization, and storage of synthesized ASOs using laboratory instrumentation.
Operate and maintain preparative chromatography systems, LC-MS instrumentation, spectrophotometers, lyophilizers, and other laboratory equipment used in ASO production and analysis.
Coordinate ASO production requests from investigators, monitor project progress, communicate timelines, and maintain records of laboratory activities and customer orders.
Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory instrumentation and workflows.
Train, supervise, and support students, staff, and researchers in the safe and effective use of laboratory equipment and established laboratory procedures.
Manage core facility operations, including scheduling instrument use, maintaining user access, coordinating service contracts, and uptime planning.
Monitor laboratory quality control procedures to ensure synthesized ASOs meet established identity, purity, and documentation standards.
Order laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and specialized chemicals; maintain inventory and coordinate equipment service and repairs.
Maintain laboratory records including purchasing documentation, equipment maintenance logs, inventory records, chemical inventories, and waste disposal documentation.
Ensure compliance with university laboratory safety policies, chemical hygiene plans, hazardous waste procedures, and other applicable environmental health and safety requirements.
Assist with laboratory budgeting by monitoring reagent usage, equipment maintenance needs, and operational expenses.
Collaborate with faculty and researchers to evaluate laboratory workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges, and improve laboratory efficiency.
Develop and maintain laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or other electronic systems for…