Molecular Diagnostics R&D Associate II

Sarmal Inc; 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. in San Diego, CA, is hiring a Research Associate II to support development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for our pathogen detection platform.

You will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents, run fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, and document results in a fast-paced startup setting. The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with the Assay Development team, and contributing to assay optimization, experimental

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology or biochemical assays, including 96- or 384-well plate-based workflows.
• Experience with nucleic acid hybridization assays, fluorescence-based detection methods, enzymatic reactions, or surface-based capture assays.
• Experience preparing master mixes, serial dilutions, reagent stocks, and low-volume liquid handling.
• Familiarity with fluorescence plate readers, capillary electrophoresis, or similar analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to analyze experimental data using Excel; JMP experience is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to maintain high-quality documentation.
• Ability to independently execute experiments while collaborating in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays using 96- and 384-well plate formats following established protocols.
• Prepare master mixes, serial dilutions, oligonucleotides, enzyme reagents, and working stocks with high accuracy and reproducibility.
• Perform fluorescence plate-based assays, capillary electrophoresis sample preparation, and routine instrument operation.
• Analyze experimental data, summarize results, and present findings to the Assay Development team.
• Assist in optimizing assay performance through systematic troubleshooting and experimental evaluation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and SOP documentation.
• Support reagent inventory, laboratory organization, and routine laboratory operations.
• Contribute to assay verification, reproducibility studies, and technology transfer activities as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

Detail-oriented

Troubleshooting

Independent experimentation

Education

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

B.S. with 2-4 years or M.S. with 1-2 years industry experience

Hands-on molecular biology assay experience

Tools

Excel

JMP

Flow/capillary electrophoresis equipment

Automated liquid handling systems (Hamilton/Tecan/Beckman/Opentrons)

Job description

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego, CA, is hiring a Research Associate II to support development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for our pathogen detection platform.

You will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents, run fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, and document results in a fast-paced startup setting. The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with the Assay Development team, and contributing to assay optimization, experimental