Molecular Diagnostics Research Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to support the development and evaluation of molecular and microbiological diagnostic assays. You will perform hands-on laboratory work including culture, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR to advance diagnostic technologies.

The role emphasizes rigorous experimental planning, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and other R&D team members to translate lab work into scalable diagnostic products.

Qualifications

• Hands-on microbiology experience including aseptic technique, culture, Gram staining, enumeration, and characterization.
• Molecular biology experience: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid purification/quantification (Qubit, NanoDrop).
• Experience developing or troubleshooting sample prep and nucleic acid extraction workflows from biological/clinical samples.
• BSL-2 laboratory experience with safe handling/culture of microorganisms.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain thorough lab documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological workflows including culture, identification, dilution series, enumeration, Gram staining, and organism characterization.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, purification, and quality assessment using Qubit/NanoDrop or equivalent methods.
• Develop and optimize sample prep and nucleic acid extraction workflows for clinical/biological specimens.
• Design, execute, and optimize experiments supporting molecular and microbiological diagnostic assays.
• Prepare and characterize samples, controls, standards, and reference materials for assay development.
• Generate, organize, and analyze data; communicate results to project teams.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

PCR/qPCR

Nucleic acid extraction

Aseptic technique

BSL-2 handling

Lab documentation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology

Tools

Qubit

NanoDrop

qPCR instruments

KingFisher or similar platforms

Job description

Sarmal, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to support the development and evaluation of molecular and microbiological diagnostic assays. You will perform hands-on laboratory work including culture, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR to advance diagnostic technologies.

The role emphasizes rigorous experimental planning, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and other R&D team members to translate lab work into scalable diagnostic products.