Research Associate II - Genomics & Diagnostic Platform

Lever, Inc.; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Employee perks and discount programs

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Research Associate II to support the development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for our pathogen detection platform.

You will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents and master mixes, perform fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot, and document results within a fast-paced startup setting. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoys hands-on lab work in a

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology or biochemical assays, including 96- or 384-well plate-based workflows.
• Experience with nucleic acid hybridization assays, fluorescence-based detection methods, enzymatic reactions, or surface-based capture assays.
• Experience preparing master mixes, serial dilutions, reagent stocks, and low-volume liquid handling.
• Familiarity with fluorescence plate readers, capillary electrophoresis, or similar analytical instrumentation.
• Ability to analyze experimental data using Excel; experience with JMP or similar software is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain high-quality experimental documentation.
• Ability to independently execute experiments while effectively collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems (Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Opentrons, or similar) is a plus.
• Experience working in a regulated diagnostics, biotechnology, or medical device environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays using 96- and 384-well plate formats following established protocols.
• Prepare master mixes, serial dilutions, oligonucleotides, enzyme reagents, and working stocks with high accuracy and reproducibility.
• Perform fluorescence plate-based assays, capillary electrophoresis sample preparation, and routine instrument operation.
• Analyze experimental data, summarize results, and present findings to the Assay Development team.
• Assist in optimizing assay performance through systematic troubleshooting and experimental evaluation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and SOP documentation.
• Support reagent inventory, laboratory organization, and routine laboratory operations.
• Contribute to assay verification, reproducibility studies, and technology transfer activities as needed.

Skills

Lab experience

Nucleic acid assays

Master mixes prep

Fluorescence detection

Excel data analysis

Troubleshooting

Independent execution

Automated liquid handling

Regulated environment

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

Industry/translational lab experience

Hands-on biotech lab experience

Tools

Excel

JMP

Capillary electrophoresis

Fluorescence plate readers

Automation systems (Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Opentrons)

Job description

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Research Associate II to support the development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for our pathogen detection platform.

You will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents and master mixes, perform fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot, and document results within a fast-paced startup setting. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoys hands-on lab work in a