Research Associate at BiomeSense Chicago, IL

Dan Cummins Ford Lincoln; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity: 0.1–0.2%

Benefits package

Job summary

BiomeSense is hiring a Research Associate to advance automated sample processing within a fast-paced R&D environment in Chicago, IL. The role focuses on nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS in a high‑throughput setting, collaborating with engineers and scientists to implement robust sample‑to‑answer workflows.

You will contribute to assay development and process optimization, maintaining GLP/quality practices and clear documentation while supporting biometic platform innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of biological sciences, bioengineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with core microbiology methods and NGS sample preparation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize microbiology protocols for nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS in a high‑throughput lab.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and product teams to validate systems for DNA stabilization, extraction, and purification.
• Coordinate processing of large partner sample volumes with accuracy and efficiency.
• Design experiments to retire technical risks and improve laboratory workflows.

Skills

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR

NGS sample prep

Lab automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 3 years experience

Master’s degree + 2 years experience

Job description

Research Associate – R&D

Location: Chicago, IL (in-person)

Compensation: $60K – $85K salary + 0.1% - 0.2% equity + benefits

BiomeSense is a start‑up revolutionizing human gut microbiome sampling and analysis, driving discovery, and enabling the development of microbiome‑based precision medicine. Our innovative approach integrates two core advancements: hardware that facilitates daily microbiome sampling as a routine exercise, and AI‑driven analytics to unlock novel datasets for biomarker discovery.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Research and Development team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills and collaborative spirit in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. As part of our scientific team, you will help advance our automated sample processing workflows, supporting the foundation of our sample‑to‑answer multi‑omic platform technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Execution & Technical Support: Execute and optimize microbiology protocols supporting nucleic acid extraction, PCR, next‑generation sequencing (NGS), in a high‑throughput laboratory environment.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and product teams to validate and integrate novel systems for microbial DNA stabilization, extraction, and purification.
• Coordinate and execute the processing of large quantities of partner samples, maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Design and conduct experiments to retire technical risks or optimize laboratory protocols, contributing to ongoing process improvements and product innovation.

Quality & Communication

• Maintain rigorous documentation practices and adhere to established quality management systems (e.g., GLP, design controls).
• Effectively communicate experimental results and technical observations to cross‑functional project teams, supporting the rapid advancement of platform technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree + 3 years’, or Master’s degree + 2 years’ in biological sciences, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with core microbiology techniques, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS sample preparation.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced setting.
• Strong communication skills for clear reporting and knowledge‑sharing with scientific and technical stakeholders.