Molecular Applications Scientist

iCatch; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

iCatch is hiring 1-2 Molecular Applications Scientists to lead design, optimization, and validation of field-ready molecular diagnostic assays. You will drive core R&D activities, supervise staff, and bridge lab development with field deployment in a fast-paced biotechnology startup.

This role suits recent PhD graduates through established scientists who want to build commercial diagnostic solutions from the ground up. On-site work in Bozeman, MT is required.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's with supervisory experience in molecular biology or related fields.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting molecular assays (PCR/qPCR, isothermal amplification, primer/probe design).
• DNA/RNA extraction, NGS library preparation and high-throughput sequencing workflows.
• Strong bioinformatics skills for variant discovery, sequence alignment, and target locus identification.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and managing laboratory staff; maintaining detailed records.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and validation of field-ready molecular diagnostic assays.
• Generate high-throughput genomic datasets and manage bioinformatic pipelines.
• Supervise technical staff and bridge lab development with field deployment.
• Prepare validation reports, data packages, and executive summaries for regulators and partners.
• Support field testing and pilot deployment during field operations.

Job description

We're hiring 1-2 Molecular Applications Scientists to lead the design, optimization, and validation of field-ready molecular diagnostic assays. In this role, you will drive core R&D activities, supervise technical staff, and bridge lab-based assay development with practical field deployment. This position is ideal for recent PhD graduates to established scientists eager to build commercial diagnostic solutions from the ground up in a fast-paced biotechnology startup. If you are a detail-oriented, self-motivated scientist driven by real-world applications, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

• Generate high-throughput genomic sequence datasets based on whole genome sequencing, reduced representation sequencing, and analogous methods.
• Implement and manage bioinformatic pipelines to process and analyze complex genetic and genomic datasets.
• Design, optimize, and validate field-deployable molecular assays for detecting nucleic acid targets.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards, laboratory notebooks, and field documentation.
• Supervise, mentor, and train technical support staff.
• Prepare technical data packages, validation reports, and executive summaries for regulatory partners and external review.
• Support field testing and pilot deployment during field operations.

Required Skills

• PhD or Master's degree (the latter only with relevant research and supervisory experience) in molecular biology, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, fisheries/wildlife science or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting molecular assays (e.g., PCR/qPCR, isothermal amplification techniques, primer/probe design).
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, NGS library preparation, and high-throughput sequencing workflows (e.g., species barcoding, eDNA, or target capture).
• Strong proficiency in bioinformatic pipelines for analyzing complex genomic datasets, with specific expertise in variant discovery, sequence alignment, and target locus identification.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and managing laboratory technicians, research assistants, or junior scientific staff.
• Robust organizational skills with a track record of maintaining detailed laboratory records, protocols, and digital workflows.
• Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable thriving on a small startup team.
• Able to work on-site in Bozeman, MT in a hands-on lab environment.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills

• Experience translating lab assays into field-ready formats (e.g., lateral flow, lyophilization).
• Experience with seafood, fisheries, or other aquatic species.
• Background in forensic-grade testing, regulatory validation, or agency workflows.
• Proven track record of drafting high quality scientific manuscripts or technical reports.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Successful verification of education credentials and relevant professional experience.
• Signing a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement.

Compensation, Location, & Timeline

The initial hire is for one year with additional years possible given satisfactory performance and available funding. Full-time, on-site employment in Bozeman, Montana; remote work options are not feasible. Competitive industry compensation commensurate with experience and generous benefits package. Start date is as soon as possible, but no later than December 1, 2026.