Lead Process Engineer, Molecular Diagnostics

Curve Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early-stage equity

Flexible PTO

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Professional development

On-site gym

Daily lunches

Job summary

Curve Biosciences in San Mateo, California, is seeking a hands-on Process Engineering Manager to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of molecular diagnostic laboratory processes. You will build and own the Process Engineering function, translating complex assay workflows from research to production with a focus on quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate has deep biochemistry and molecular assay experience, can lead cross-functional projects, and enjoys

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant industry experience in molecular diagnostics or related laboratory-intensive environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and scaling complex molecular biology assays.
• Hands‑on experience translating research-stage laboratory protocols into robust, reproducible production workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex technical projects, coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders, and drive initiatives through to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transfer of molecular assays from R&D into robust, reproducible, and scalable clinical laboratory workflows.
• Design, develop, characterize, and optimize laboratory processes with an emphasis on assay performance, reproducibility, throughput, operational simplicity, and cost efficiency.
• Apply principles of experimental design, statistical analysis, and process characterization to identify critical process parameters, understand sources of variability, and establish stable operating ranges.
• Partner with Assay Development, Automation Engineering, and Laboratory Operations to translate complex biochemical protocols into production‑ready processes.
• Independently troubleshoot complex biochemical and molecular assay failures in production, applying a deep understanding of underlying assay chemistry to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.

Skills

Molecular biology

Process engineering

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Hands-on lab work

Education

Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Python

SQL

R

Laboratory automation platforms

Job description

Curve Biosciences in San Mateo, California, is seeking a hands-on Process Engineering Manager to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of molecular diagnostic laboratory processes. You will build and own the Process Engineering function, translating complex assay workflows from research to production with a focus on quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate has deep biochemistry and molecular assay experience, can lead cross-functional projects, and enjoys