Research Scientist – Light Directed Oligonucleotide ...

Research Scientist – Light‑Directed Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Initial 12 month freelance contract + possible extensions

Leuven, Belgium (5 days onsite/week)

ASAP start

40 hours/week

The research scientist will focus on advancing light-driven oligonucleotide synthesis by optimizing photochemical parameters to achieve rapid and efficient confined reactions.

The assignment

• Characterize and optimize (photo)chemical parameters to enabling robust light-directed oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Study material properties to precisely control exposure and confine photochemical reactions.
• Define specifications for integrating the developed photochemical reaction into a tool architecture for intermediate and scaled-up system models.
• Lead and coordinate oligonucleotide library synthesis, including evaluation, cross-validation with external services, as well as overseeing library deprotection, release, formulation, and packaging.

Required knowledge and skills

• Strong background in Chemistry, hands-on experience in Materials Sciences or Photochemistry is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated expertise in DNA synthesis, analysis, or related biochemical workflows.
• Passion for laboratory research.
• A self-motivated team player, who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment that combines biology, chemistry, photonics and micro-electronics.
• Good written and spoken English is a must.