Research Associate II – Molecular Assay Development

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

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego-based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven teamoperatingin a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

AtSarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, anda buildermindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

About the Job

The Research Associate II will support the development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for Sarmal's pathogen detection platform. This individual will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents and master mixes, perform fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, analyze experimental data, troubleshoot assay performance, and document results. Working closely with the Assay Development team, the successful candidate will contribute to assay optimization, experimental design, reagent qualification, and the transition of validated methods into standardized laboratory procedures.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoys hands-on laboratory work in a collaborative, fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.

Key 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.
• Assistinoptimizingassay performance through systematic troubleshooting and experimental evaluation.
• Maintainaccuratelaboratory 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.

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.

Education

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• B.S. with2-4yearsorM.S. with 1-2 yearsof relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience performing molecular biology or assay development experiments in an industrial or translational research environment.
• Experience with nucleic acid hybridization, fluorescence-based assays, surface-based assay formats, or molecular diagnostics is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting assay optimization, troubleshooting, or analytical method development is highly desirable.

Benefits & Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

$72,000 - $85,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $72,000 - $85,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.