Production Scientist - Mellon College of Science - Helix Foundry

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 tracking ASO requests, production status, inventory, and sample distribution.
• Assist with implementation and evaluation of new instrumentation, laboratory methods, and ASO synthesis technologies as the Foundry expands.
• Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new ASO chemistries, instrumentation, and workflows to expand the capabilities of the Helix Foundry.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work. There are potential opportunities for growth into leadership positions within the Helix Foundry as the facility grows and expands over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific field required; Ph.D. preferred.
• At least three years of laboratory experience in molecular biology, nucleic acid chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related research environment required.
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and nucleic acid analytical methods is required.
• Experience operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation such as HPLC/FPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, or comparable laboratory equipment preferred.
• Experience working in a shared laboratory, core facility, or laboratory management environment preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to interact with collaborators and clients with varying levels of technical knowledge of nucleic acid synthesis.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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