Associate Research Scientist

ANTA Biotech; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ANTA Biotech in San Diego is seeking a hands-on molecular biology professional to develop and validate DNA/RNA extraction, sample processing, and sequencing-prep workflows that could one day run on a space station or field lab.

You will own end-to-end workflows from bench experiments to flight-ready protocols, collaborating with scientists and engineers in a fast-moving startup. A degree with 2+ years of lab experience plus aseptic technique are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, or similar.
• 2+ years of hands-on lab experience in academia, industry, or independent research.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Familiarity with PCR workflows and preparing samples for sequencing.
• Experience with aseptic technique and laboratory documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and optimize DNA/RNA extraction, sample preparation, and sequencing library prep experiments.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, quality assessment, and library preparation.
• Culture and process samples for workflow development and validation.
• Evaluate reagent formulations and workflow robustness through experiments.
• Document procedures, analyze data, and prepare technical reports and SOPs.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot and improve workflows.
• Maintain lab organization, inventory, and compliance with quality standards.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR workflows

NGS sample prep

Molecular biology instrumentation

Aseptic technique

Documentation & reporting

Independent startup mindset

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology or related

2+ years lab experience

Tools

Qubit

NanoDrop

TapeStation

Bioanalyzer

Job description

Space is becoming biology’s next laboratory, but almost no tools exist that can run molecular biology workflows without gravity, without a technician, and without a traditional lab. As a member of our science team, you’ll help develop and validate the DNA/RNA extraction, sample processing, and sequencing-prep workflows that could one day run on the ISS, on a commercial space station, or in a disaster-response lab with no infrastructure at all.

You’ll work closely with the entire team, from founders and advisors to scientists and engineers. You’ll own workflows end‑to‑end, from benchexperiments to flight‑ready protocols, and help build the lab’s processes from the ground up. We’re a startup: priorities shift as we learn, we wear multiple hats, and we look for people who raise their hand for ambiguous problems rather than wait for instructions.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

In this postion you will…

• Develop, execute, and optimize experiments supporting DNA/RNA extraction, sample preparation, and sequencing library preparation.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, quality assessment, and library preparation.
• Culture and process biological samples for workflow development and validation.
• Evaluate reagent formulations, chemistry performance, and workflow robustness through systematic experimentation.
• Document experimental procedures, analyze data, and prepare technical reports and laboratory documentation.
• Contribute to protocol development, SOP creation, validation studies, and technology transfer.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot experiments and improve workflow performance.
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, inventory, and compliance with laboratory quality standards.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, or a related discipline, and 2+ years of relevant lab experience in academia, industry, or independent research.
• Hands‑on experience with DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Experience with PCR and molecular biology workflows, and preparing samples for next‑generation sequencing.
• Familiarity with common molecular biology instrumentation (e.g., Qubit, NanoDrop, TapeStation, Bioanalyzer).
• Demonstrated proficiency with aseptic technique.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working independently and proposing your own solutions in a small, multidisciplinary startup team.
• Ability to execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and maintain detailed laboratory documentation.

BONUS POINTS IF YOU’VE EVER

• Worked with liquid handling automation
• Cultured mammalian cells
• Optimized reagent formulations
• Maintained an electronic lab notebook (ELN)