Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – RNA Analysis

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) matching

Employee Referral Bonus

Catered lunches on Thursdays

EV charging

Snacks and fruit

Job summary

Zymo Research in Irvine, CA is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to advance RNA-seq products from concept to clinical applications. You will lead and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, develop and validate assay workflows, and contribute to strategic planning to drive product development.

The role emphasizes breakthrough RNA-seq technologies, teamwork, and publication-ready research, with strong emphasis on innovation and scientific leadership.

Qualifications

• Requires a Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field with first-author publication.
• Strong background in NGS and molecular biology; assay development strongly preferred.
• RNA-seq and NGS data analysis experience a plus.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexible, independent and collaborative researcher in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute solutions to RNA-seq assay development problems; read pertinent articles.
• Plan, direct, and guide Research Associates and staff.
• Contribute original ideas of major methodological significance to lab research.
• Lead major research projects over extended periods; supervise staff.
• Document and report research progress; ensure compliance and data integrity.

Skills

NGS

Molecular biology

RNA-seq

Data analysis

Written communication

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field

Job description

As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research, you will work to develop innovative RNA-seq products from concept to completion advancing Zymo’s RNA analysis product portfolio. You will conceptualize, perform, and supervise laboratory experimental procedures in support of assay development and other related duties (e.g. business development, marketing, product development, and networking) as required.

As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research you will have an opportunity to lead and/or work with a talented multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers to develop tools that will affect and shape the biomedical industry. You will have an opportunity to innovate, develop, and deliver RNA-seq technologies from platform development to clinical applications. As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist , you will contribute to Zymo’s strategic planning and continuously be encouraged to explore new ideas as a part of navigating and innovating in this highly competitive field. Zymo Research offers tremendous room for growth as we continuously explore new directions and expand.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and execute solutions to research problems; read scientific articles pertaining to RNA-seq assay development; proceed with independent direction to organize and work out all techniques involved.
• Plan, assign, and direct the work of several Research Associates, advising them on problems which they are unable to solve.
• Contribute original ideas of major methodological significance to the prosecution of laboratory research.
• Take complete charge of the execution of major research projects over considerable periods of time.
• Exercise judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in making decisions.
• Carry responsibility for laboratory management and supervision of Research Associates, Laboratory Assistants, and Interns.
• Frequent contributions of (a) original ideas of major importance in research (b) interpretation of data yielded by new/original method(s) used or developed in the course of laboratory aresearch
• Communicating effectively with research team, and manufacturing
• Meeting regularly with the research team to discuss project progress
• Ensuring that all research staff are informed about their project-related duties and investigational agents. Execution of projects or major portions of research projects which have been broadly outlined by the CSO
• Engage in difficult and complex research projects in collaboration with Research Associates, making important original contributions pertaining to laboratory experimental procedures
• Engage in research and development to produce marketable products that product release may be maintained over a period of selling time
• Co-author scientific journal articles may and level of innovational contribution publicly.

ENSURES PROJECT COMPLIANCE

• Possessing a thorough understanding of the requirements of each project
• Assessing overall project feasibility
• Not implementing any project deviation or changes without agreement by the CSO and prior review and approval by ZRC (except to eliminate immediate hazards to the subject)

ENSURES INITIAL AND ONGOING REVIEW

• Providing adequate information to initially review the study (i.e., projects, investigator's brochure, and any written information to be given to publications, or collateral material).
• Providing documents for ongoing review (i.e., amendments to the protocol, adverse events, deviations or new information)
• Securing CSO approval prior to initiating the study or instituting any changes to the project as approved.
• Providing written summaries of the trial status annually, or as requested
• Providing all documents subject to their review

DETERMINES ADEQUATE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT THE STUDY

• Having adequate number of qualified staff to conduct the study
• Having adequate facilities to conduct the study
• Ensuring he/she has adequate time to conduct and supervise the study

ENSURES DOCUMENTATION OF PROJECT-RELATED PROCEDURES, PROCESSES AND EVENTS

• Documenting deviations from the approved project
• Complying with written procedures to document changes to data and/or case report forms
• Maintaining project documents as required by the regulations
• Standardize new techniques and train other staff personnel and students in their use.
• Maintain complete hand written reports (lab notebooks) on all phases of laboratory and/or field experimental work involved in research projects adhering to the Zymo Research Notebook Policy
• Participating in monitoring visits and government and private industry audits as appropriate
• Making available to monitors, auditors, and regulatory authority(ies) all requested project-related records

ENSURES THE PROPER USE AND STORAGE OF INVESTIGATIONAL AGENTS

• Being thoroughly familiar with the use and disposal of the chemicals, and reagents
• Assuming responsibility for the project and components investigational product at the lab site
• Ensuring the proper use and storage of the investigational product(s) at the lab site

MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Attending educational workshops and seminars
• Reviewing and writing for professional publications
• Participating in professional societies and associations
• Make formal presentations to association, university, and professional groups

MARKETING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Responsible for conduct Beta-Testing with potential customers.
• Responsible for writing the packaging instructions (protocol)
• Collaborate with marketing on content for marketing collateral, website, and packaging
• Collaborate with product strategy with the manufacturing department

Additional Responsibilities

• Supervisory: Research Associates

Education and Experience

• Strong background in NGS and molecular biology. Experience with assay development strongly preferred.
• Requires a Ph.D degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field from biomedical sciences with at least one first-author publication in a high-impact journal.
• Candidate should have good knowledge of both basic and the latest nucleic acid analysis methodologies, including PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, microarray and NGS
• RNA-seq and NGS data analysis experience are plus
• Demonstrates well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to establish highly functional relationships with diverse personalities, both within and outside the company. Open, customer-focused style of communication.
• Must be a highly flexible, results oriented, independent and collaborative researcher who enjoys working in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Experience with the development of bioinformatics methods, including analysis pipelines

About Us

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $85,000-100,000 at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Generous 401(K) with matching
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
• Complimentary EV Charging

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location

Onsite – Zymo Research HQ -- 17062 Murphy Ave, Irvine, CA 92614