Scientist II, Assay Development

About this role

Scientist II, Assay Development

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary $110,000 - $120,000

About Us

We are a venture-backed, stealth-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, focused on developing novel technologies that will redefine how disease is detected, characterized, and managed with a novel approach to clinical genomics. Our mission is to fundamentally transform healthcare through a convergence of innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.

Founded by industry veterans with decades of experience in life sciences tools and diagnostics, our leadership team brings a proven track record of translating scientific insight into successful commercial products. Our investors include some of the most respected names in healthcare and deep tech.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Scientist II to support the development, optimization, and maturation of molecular methods for clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. This is a hands-on, bench-focused individual contributor role: executing the experiments that move nucleic acid extraction and library preparation methods from feasibility toward robust, automation-ready processes suitable for transfer to clinical lab operations.

Working closely with senior scientists and process engineers, the Scientist II will run structured experiments, generate and analyze high-quality data, and contribute to the optimization of buffer formulations, reaction conditions, and process parameters that drive method performance and stability. The role is well suited to a scientist with strong molecular biology fundamentals and solid bench execution who is ready to grow toward independent method development in a rigorous, quality-oriented environment where methods are actively evolving.

Key Responsibilities

- Execute bench experiments that advance library preparation methods from feasibility toward production-ready performance.

- Prepare and test buffer formulations and reaction conditions, and contribute to method optimization by generating and analyzing systematic, well-controlled data.

- Execute systematic experiments, and perform data analysis to characterize method performance.

- Run stability and robustness studies per established protocols, and summarize results clearly.

- Support the transfer of bench methods including hands-on protocol execution, method-comparison runs, and troubleshooting.

- Contribute to reagent QC by executing QC assays.

- Support tech transfer and analytical validation activities through bench execution, troubleshooting, and documentation.

- Maintain rigorous, well-organized experimental records (electronic lab notebook), generate clear data summaries and technical reports, and contribute to process and design documentation.

- Collaborate with assay development, process engineering, automation, quality, and clinical operations to advance methods from feasibility through production.

Qualifications

Required:

- BS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience; or MS with 2+ years; or a PhD in a relevant field.

- Solid molecular biology and biochemistry fundamentals, with hands-on experience in library preparation and workflows.

- Demonstrated bench proficiency in core techniques, with accurate, reproducible execution and strong attention to detail.

- Working familiarity with structured experimental design and data analysis.

- Rigorous, well-organized record-keeping and the ability to generate clear technical data summaries.

- Ability to execute independently on assigned experiments and manage parallel bench work in a fast-moving, early-stage environment.

Preferred:

- Experience with low-input or other challenging workflows.

- Hands-on experience with liquid handling platforms.

- Exposure to a regulated or quality-driven environment and familiarity with design controls.

- Programming or scripting experience (Python, R) for data analysis or experimental workflows.

- Familiarity with QC metrics and data interpretation.

- Comfort operating in a stealth-stage, resource-constrained environment where the development roadmap is actively evolving.

Why Join Us

- Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.

- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.

- Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.

- Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.

Similar jobs

• Scientist II, Assay Development & Screening — Parabilismed · Cambridge
• Associate Scientist II, Analytical Development — Vaxcyte · San Carlos, California, United States
• Scientist II, Analytical Development — Vaxcyte · San Carlos, California, United States
• Senior Research Associate- Diagnostic Assay Development — 10xgenomics · Pleasanton, California, USA HQ
• Scientist I, Analytical Development — Vaxcyte · San Carlos, California, United States
• Senior Scientist I Analytical Development — Alumis · Remote
• Associate Scientist II (Contract), Analytical Development for Characterization — Vaxcyte · San Carlos, California, United States
• Scientist II, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing — Vaxcyte · San Carlos, California, United States