Abstract: A novel method for attaching oligonucleotides to a paramagnetic solid support is disclosed. Conventional methods of attachment require that oligonucleotides be pre-synthesized with specific end modifications, which is laborious and expensive. Instead, we attached oligonucleotides to paramagnetic beads by direct synthesis of the oligonucleotides on the surface of the beads. An external magnet was used to hold the paramagnetic beads in place during solid-phase synthesis. A magnetic force was applied directly to the beads to prevent their loss, in particular, during reagent purge-to-waste steps that involved high-pressure drain or vacuum. This method can be adapted for use in any laboratory working with conventional synthesis automation, and can be employed, for example, with single columns and multi-well titer plates.