Bioaerosol Genomics Research Associate

Pilgrim; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim in Redwood City seeks a Research Associate to drive experiments supporting ARGUS development—from bioaerosol collection to sequencing. You will own reagent preparation, sample storage, and consumable inventory while collaborating with scientists to generate reliable data guiding system improvements.

You will execute qPCR assays, perform nucleic acid extraction, and run NGS workflows, contributing to environmental sample processing and data quality control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR or qPCR, and sample quantification.
• Ability to independently execute multistep laboratory protocols and document methods, results, and deviations.
• Experience interpreting assay controls and sample quality measurements to identify failed or unreliable results.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments to evaluate sample preparation methods, assay performance, and sequencing workflows.
• Collect bioaerosol samples and process environmental samples through concentration, nucleic acid extraction, and quality checks.
• Prepare and run qPCR assays with appropriate controls to evaluate sample recovery, inhibition, and assay performance.
• Perform genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation, sequencing-run setup and execution, and quality control.
• Compile results, identify failed controls or inconsistent measurements, and help troubleshoot experiments.
• Own reagent preparation and consumable inventory, including storage, expiration tracking, and replenishment with Supply Chain.
• Document experiments, results, and deviations; update protocols as improvements are tested and confirmed.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Sample quantification

Multistep lab protocols

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology or related field

Equivalent laboratory experience

Tools

qPCR

NGS library preparation

Nanopore sequencing

Nucleic acid extraction

Job description

Pilgrim in Redwood City seeks a Research Associate to drive experiments supporting ARGUS development—from bioaerosol collection to sequencing. You will own reagent preparation, sample storage, and consumable inventory while collaborating with scientists to generate reliable data guiding system improvements.

You will execute qPCR assays, perform nucleic acid extraction, and run NGS workflows, contributing to environmental sample processing and data quality control.