Molecular Assay Developer II (Diagnostics)

Sarmal; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Employee perks and discount programs

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms.

The Research Associate II will support development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays, execute surface-based detection assays, prepare reagents, and analyze results in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of hands-on lab work within a multidisciplinary Assay Development team,

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology or biochemical assays.

Responsibilities

• Execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays using 96- and 384-well plate formats.
• Prepare master mixes, serial dilutions, oligonucleotides, enzyme reagents, and working stocks.
• Perform fluorescence plate-based assays and capillary electrophoresis sample prep.
• Analyze data, summarize results, and present findings to the Assay Development team.
• Assist in optimizing assay performance through systematic troubleshooting.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and SOP documentation.
• Support reagent inventory and routine lab operations.
• Contribute to assay verification and technology transfer activities.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemical assays

Nucleic acid detection

Fluorescence assays

Capillary electrophoresis

Data analysis (Excel; JMP a plus)

Troubleshooting

Independent execution in a team

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology

2–4 years (B.S.) or 1–2 years (M.S.) industry experience

Hands-on assay development experience

Tools

Hamilton liquid handling systems

Tecan liquid handling systems

Beckman instruments

Opentrons or similar robots

Job description

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms.

The Research Associate II will support development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays, execute surface-based detection assays, prepare reagents, and analyze results in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of hands-on lab work within a multidisciplinary Assay Development team,