Process Development Scientist I New Boulder, CO

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Pension fund with 4% match (SA)

Disability and life insurance

Stock options

Bonus opportunities

Flexible time off

Job summary

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc. seeks a Process Development Scientist I in Boulder, CO. You will design, optimize, and transfer robust formulation and manufacturing processes for molecular biology products, reporting to the Process Development team.

The role requires a BS/BA with 8+ years, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with no industry experience in a dynamic startup setting. This is an onsite position with collaboration across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments with scientific rigor.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification).
• Experience designing, characterizing, and implementing processes in a manufacturing or regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute formulation and process development studies (DOE-based).
• Lead transfer of processes into manufacturing and support validation activities.
• Plan and prioritize work to meet project milestones.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior staff.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

DOE

Process development

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Scale-up

Process transfer

Root cause investigations

Quality systems

Communication

Education

BS/BA with 8 yrs industry experience

MS with 6 yrs experience

PhD with no industry experience

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Join our Team: Where Talent meets Purpose

We’re driven by a mission to advance genomic science and empower our team with an exceptional work environment. We don’t just offer jobs – we provide careers with purpose. Below, explore the perks of being part of a team that values you and your contributions.

Our Culture

Everyone is responsible for maintaining a positive and inclusive culture, but our leaders help set that tone. We believe that good leaders serve their employees — not the other way around. Leaders at Watchmaker don’t just manage — they mentor, collaborate, guide, and empower their teams to thrive. When our leaders serve their teams, innovation (and fun!) follow naturally.

We value feedback, support each other's work, learn from mistakes, and celebrate wins.

We bring the energy, drive, and
curiosity to push boundaries.

We build trust and accountability
through honesty and transparency.

One’s success is everyone’s success.
We don’t step over one another to get ahead,
but rather support each other to succeed together.

Benefits and Perks *

We invest in our people just as much as we invest in cutting-edge science. With robust benefits, a culture of innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll find a place to grow and make a real difference.

50% Medical Aid Coverage (S.A.)

100% coverage for vision and dental care

Equal coverage for employees
and their families

Access to Flexible Spending Accounts
for medical and dependent care needs

Financial Growth and Security

401(k) with 4% company match (U.S.)

Pension fund contribution
with a 4% company match (SA)

Disability and life insurance
to secure your future

Competitive stock options to share
in our success

Bonus and commission opportunities
to reward your hard work

Work-Life Balance

Flexible time off to recharge and thrive (U.S.)

>20 days leave per year (S.A.)

Paid holidays tailored to your location

Employee Assistance Program
for mental health and well-being

Community & Camaraderie

Employee-led teams focused on
giving back and having fun:

Watchmaker Institute for Entertainment
and Merrymaking (WIEM)

* Benefits may differ by region. Details shown apply to our United States and South African based employees.

Position: Process Development Scientist I

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Department: R&D

Location: Boulder, CO, onsite

Experience: Minimum of BS/BA with 8 yrs industry experience, MS with 6 yrs, PhD with no industry experience for Research Scientist I. Open to applicants with more experience.

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Process Development Scientist I based in Boulder, CO, reporting to the Senior Engineer II on the Process Development team. This role will design, optimize, and transfer robust formulation and manufacturing processes for new and existing molecular biology products, serving as technical lead on assigned design transfer, process improvement, and validation projects.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This is an onsite/in-office position with flexibility to work from home one day a week.

The position provides an opportunity to take technical ownership of projects that move new products from R&D into production and keep on-market products performing reliably, working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management in a company scaling across sites in Boulder and Cape Town.

Responsibilities

Process Development & Execution

• Independently design and execute formulation and process development studies, including DOE-based experiments, to support scale-up, optimization, and technical transfer
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets using appropriate statistical methods, draw technical conclusions, and recommend next steps to project teams
• Define and characterize critical process parameters and provide the technical rationale for process ranges and specifications
• Lead the translation of lab-scale processes into robust, manufacturing-ready workflows for assigned projects or workstreams
• Lead qualification and implementation of new or alternate raw materials for assigned products
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new methods, equipment, or technologies
• Contribute to process characterization and process monitoring to establish process capability metrics

Technical Transfer & Manufacturing Support

• Own the design transfer of assigned products or processes into manufacturing once project scope is defined, leading execution from transfer planning through training and transfer assessments
• Plan and execute process validation and related validation activities for assigned processes in partnership with Validation and Quality
• Lead troubleshooting of process and product performance issues on assigned products and processes using structured, data-driven approaches
• Lead root cause investigations for assigned projects, and drive NCR and CAPA actions through to effective resolution
• Identify, propose, and implement process improvements in partnership with cross-functional teams
• Act as the PD technical point of contact for R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management on assigned new product development (NPD) and continuous improvement projects
• Plan and prioritize own work, and coordinate supporting team members, to meet project milestones
• Present experimental results, technical recommendations, and risks clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Provide technical guidance and training to Research Associates

Documentation & Quality Systems

• Author and review technical documentation including protocols, reports, work instructions, and batch records
• Perform risk assessments (e.g., FMEA) and requirements definition for assigned projects
• Ensure work is conducted in accordance with internal QMS and applicable standards, and identify gaps in existing documentation or practices
• Develop and deliver training for new or updated processes

Laboratory Operations

• Define equipment and material requirements for assigned projects and support qualification of new equipment
• Ensure laboratory readiness, organization, and calibration status in support of project timelines
• Model and promote safe laboratory practices

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments with scientific rigor.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification and fragment analysis, NGS workflows, etc.).
• Experience with reagent or enzyme formulation and associated analytical measurements (gravimetric/volumetric, spectrophotometry, fluorometry, pH/conductivity, osmolality/freezing point depression, viscometry, densitometry).
• Experience designing, characterizing, and implementing processes in a manufacturing or regulated environment, including scale-up or technical transfer.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with experience leading root cause investigations to resolution.
• Ability to translate data into clear technical recommendations for audiences with varied scientific backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.
• High level of accuracy in documentation, record-keeping, and reporting.

The following skills and experience are preferred for the position:

• Experience developing and optimizing automated liquid handling methods for reagent preparation, formulation, or filling workflows.
• Experience validating spreadsheets in a regulated environment, including documented verification of calculations and access controls.
• Working understanding of process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ) and how to design a stable, capable process.
• Proficiency with statistical tools and methods (DOE, ANOVA, regression, capability analysis; JMP, Minitab, or similar).
• Working knowledge of quality systems (e.g., ISO 13485) including NCR, CAPA, and change control processes.
• Experience training or providing technical guidance to junior staff.

Education and Experience

Minimum of BS/BA with 8 yrs industry experience, MS with 6 yrs, PhD with no industry experience for Research Scientist I. Open to applicants with more experience.

Compensation

The base compensation for the Scientist I role starts at $80,000-$95,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

We are an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.