Sarmal, Inc. · 1 day ago
Staff Scientist – Molecular Biology
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$115K/yr - $160K/yr
3+ years expSarmal, Inc. is an innovative biotech company based in San Diego, California developing revolutionary genomics platforms that aim to transform the fields of genetic testing and sequencing. We are seeking a Staff Scientist – Molecular Biology to lead the design, characterization, and optimization of DNA probes and hybridization workflows central to TEEM assay performance.
Biotechnology
Responsibilities
Design DNA probes, sequences, and oligonucleotide architectures for TEEM assays
Characterize hybridization and denaturation behavior under biochemical and electrochemical modulation
Optimize assay conditions (buffers, temperatures, hybridization times, sequence parameters) to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range
Conduct nucleic acid–based assay performance experiments and generate data-driven recommendations
Contribute to secondary protein engineering efforts, including variant characterization relevant to assay performance
Develop and refine molecular workflows for screening and performance benchmarking
Analyze molecular performance data and guide design–build–test–learn cycles
Collaborate closely with Assay Development, Detection, System Integration, and Consumable Engineering
Document oligo design rationales, protocols, results, and optimization strategies
Qualification
Required
Deep experience in DNA probe/oligo design and hybridization thermodynamics
Strong understanding of sequence-dependent hybridization, mismatches, and secondary structure
Experience optimizing nucleic acid assays (molecular diagnostics, biosensors, hybridization assays, qPCR, etc.)
Ability to perform and analyze molecular performance metrics (binding curves, kinetics, sensitivity, selectivity)
Experience designing oligos for biosensors, electrochemical assays, or surface-based hybridization
Knowledge of software tools for oligo design and secondary structure modeling
Experience with assay miniaturization, multiplexing, or hybridization-based detection systems
Strong documentation and scientific communication skills
Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years industry experience in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, or a related field with expertise in nucleic acids
Preferred
Familiarity with protein engineering concepts
Company
Sarmal, Inc.
Sarmal, Inc.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase