NGS Lab Manager / Senior Research Associate

Dinamo Biotechnologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dinamo Biotechnologies is seeking a hands-on wet-lab professional to process samples, develop NGS methods, and optimize protocols while maintaining lab operations.

The role splits time between bench work and lab management, running cfDNA workflows, coordinating sequencing with providers, and leveraging AI tools to streamline processes and data interpretation.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or a related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience with NGS library prep and nucleic acid extraction.
• Comfort with sequencing workflows and the concepts behind them.
• Experience with QC techniques like fluorometric quantification, Bioanalyzer or TapeStation, and qPCR.
• Experience with or enthusiasm for using AI tools for experimental design, data interpretation and automating routine work.
• Comfort with spreadsheets and traceable records.
• Clear writing for SOPs and reports; able to flag problems early.
• Willingness to grow with the company over time.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments to develop new methods and optimize existing protocols, then present results.
• Run cfDNA workflows end to end: DNA extraction, methylation conversion, library prep and capture, then sequencing.
• Run automated workflows on liquid handlers in 96- and 384-well formats.
• Review QC at each step; flag failures and determine root causes.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to link wet-lab variables to sequencing results.
• Manage sample accessioning and records; keep LIMS current for samples, batches and locations.
• Manage reagents and consumables: inventory, ordering, lot tracking, vendor relations and budgeting.
• Write and maintain SOPs.
• Serve as main contact with facilities and EHS; follow site rules and prep for inspections.
• Coordinate sequencing with outside providers; submit pools and track data delivery.
• Use AI tools to streamline and automate lab processes and inventory management.

Skills

NGS library prep

Nucleic acid extraction

Sequencing workflows

AI for experimental design

Record keeping

Education

BS or MS in molecular biology / genetics / biochemistry

Tools

LIMS

Bioanalyzer

TapeStation

qPCR

Job description

Dinamo Biotechnologies is focused on pioneering the use of dynamic blood biomarkers and advanced analytics to develop highly effective therapeutic drugs. The company brings together experts in medicine, data science, and drug development to translate complex biological signals into actionable insights. By integrating cutting-edge analytics with robust clinical research, Dinamo aims to accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes.

Team members collaborate in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment with a clear mission to transform how diseases are detected, monitored, and treated.

Role overview

We are looking for a team member to help Dinamo process samples, develop new NGS methods, optimize existing protocols, and maintain the lab.

You will split your time between the bench and lab operations. At the bench, you will run and improve our NGS workflows. You will also manage our NGS lab: samples, reagents, SOPs and sequencing logistics. AI tools are a big part of how we work, and you will use them to streamline and automate our processes.

The role is based at our San Carlos office and reports to the Head of Molecular Biology.

What you will do

Science and bench work

• Plan and run experiments to develop new methods and optimize existing protocols, then present the results to the team.
• Run cfDNA workflows end to end: DNA extraction from plasma, methylation conversion (enzymatic or chemical), library prep and hybrid capture, then send libraries out for next-generation sequencing.
• Run automated workflows on liquid handlers in 96- and 384-well formats.
• Review QC at each step (yield, fragment size, conversion controls, sequencing metrics). Flag failures and find root causes.
• Work with computational scientists to connect wet-lab variables to sequencing results.
• Manage sample accessioning and records: check incoming sample manifests against what arrives, resolve any mismatches with the sender, and keep our laboratory information management system (LIMS) entries accurate for samples, batches and freezer locations of plasma, DNA and libraries.
• Manage reagents and consumables: inventory, ordering, lot tracking, vendor relationships and budget tracking.
• Write and maintain SOPs.
• Be Dinamo's main contact with the site's facilities and EHS staff: follow site rules on chemical and biohazard handling and waste, keep our training records current, and get our space ready for inspections.
• Coordinate sequencing with outside providers: submit pools, track deliveries and confirm data arrives complete.
• Use AI tools to streamline and automate our processes, in the lab and beyond it, such as inventory management.

What you bring

• BS or MS in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or a related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience with NGS library prep and nucleic acid extraction, preferably in industry.
• Comfort with sequencing workflows and the concepts behind them.
• Experience with nucleic acid QC techniques such as fluorometric quantification, Bioanalyzer or TapeStation, and qPCR.
• Experience with, or excitement about, using AI tools for experimental design, data interpretation and automating routine work.
• Comfort with spreadsheets and clean, traceable records.
• Clear writing for SOPs and reports, and the habit of flagging problems early.
• Willingness and excitement to grow with the company over time.

Nice to have

• Automated liquid handling (Hamilton, SPT Labtech or similar).
• Lab management experience: ordering, inventory and keeping a lab running.
• cfDNA or liquid-biopsy experience, including low-input samples.
• Methylation sequencing: EM-seq, TAPS, bisulfite or similar.
• Experience with a LIMS.
• CLIA/CAP, ISO 13485 or other quality-system experience.
• Coding, with or without AI, in R, Python, Bash or similar.