Scientist 2, Single Cell Assay Development

10x Genomics Inc; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

10x Genomics Inc in San Francisco is seeking an experienced scientist to lead the development and optimization of single cell assays within the Single Cell Biology group. This full-time role involves hands-on molecular biology, NGS library preparation, and troubleshooting to advance internal workflows and support customers.

You will collaborate across Molecular/Cell Biology, Chemistry, Fluidics, and Computational Biology, mentoring junior staff and influencing design decisions for new assay

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s/BS in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field.
• 7+ years (BS/MS) or 3+ years (PhD) of biotech/pharma industry experience.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library prep.
• Hands-on experience with advanced molecular technologies and NGS workflows.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Ability to plan multi-step experiments with meticulous record-keeping.
• Experience with challenging clinical samples (e.g., FFPE, primary tumor cells, low-input).
• Strong collaboration and mentoring skills; able to thrive in a fast-paced startup.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing and troubleshooting of new assay sub-systems and existing single cell workflows, including sample processing, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis
• Prepare high-quality NGS libraries and independently optimize established molecular biology protocols
• Contribute to conception and implementation of solutions to complex technical challenges, and contribute to design decisions for new assay systems
• Master the use of existing tools and defined methods, and lead their improvement
• Conceive of and develop new tools and methods to advance assay development capabilities
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw conclusions and determine next steps
• Generate intra-functional and cross-functional project sub-task plans, and contribute to broader project plans
• Begin to provide technical guidance to junior functional team members
• Partner with R&D, Support, and Marketing to drive assay development priorities and customer-facing troubleshooting

Skills

PCR/qPCR

NGS library prep

Nucleic acid extraction

Molecular biology techniques

Experimental design

Statistical data analysis

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry or Molecular Biology or related

Tools

NGS workflows

Job description

About this role

We are seeking an experienced and driven scientist to join the Single Cell Biology group in a full-time role, leading the development and optimization of single cell assays. This role leads hands‑on molecular biology efforts to develop, test, and refine 10x single cell workflows, and provides advanced troubleshooting support for internal teams and customers.

You will work in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment alongside colleagues in Molecular/Cell Biology, Chemistry, Fluidics, and Computational Biology, and will begin providing technical guidance to junior team members. Candidates must have hands‑on experience with 10x single cell assays, deep expertise in NGS and molecular biology techniques, and the ability to independently troubleshoot complex systems.

What you will be doing

• Lead the testing and troubleshooting of new assay sub-systems and existing single cell workflows, including sample processing, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis
• Prepare high-quality NGS libraries and independently optimize established molecular biology protocols
• Contribute to the conception and implementation of solutions to complex technical challenges, and contribute to design decisions for new assay systems
• Master the use of existing tools and defined methods, and lead their improvement
• Conceive of and develop new tools and methods to advance assay development capabilities
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw conclusions and determine next steps
• Generate intra-functional and cross-functional project sub-task plans, and contribute to broader project plans
• Begin to provide technical guidance to junior functional team members
• Partner with R&D, Support, and Marketing to drive assay development priorities and customer‑facing troubleshooting

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field
• B.S./M.S. with 7+ years, or Ph.D. with 3+ years, of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience
• Exceptional proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library preparation
• Direct, demonstrable experience with advanced molecular technologies, particularly Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows
• A proven track record of using, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular biology protocols
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis
• Ability to perform complex multi-step experiments with detailed and diligent attention to planning, organization, hands‑on technique, and record keeping
• Experience working with challenging clinical sample types (e.g., FFPE tissue, primary tumor cells, low‑input samples)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities and begin mentoring others
• Desire to work in a flexible, fast‑paced startup environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience running 10x single cell assays across a range of sample types
• Experience with the product development lifecycle, including new product introduction and familiarity with formal product testing (e.g., verification and validation)
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or research associates

Salary

Below is the base pay range for this full‑time position. The actual base pay will depend on several factors unique to each candidate, including one's skills, qualifications, and experience. At 10x, base pay is also just one component of the Company's total compensation package. This role is also eligible for 10x's equity grants, its comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs, and its annual bonus program or sales incentive program. During the hiring process, your 10x recruiter can share more about the Company's total compensation package.

Salary Range: $139,700-$188,900

Company Culture

Our teams are empowered and encouraged to follow their passions, pursue new ideas, and perform at their best in an inclusive and dynamic environment. We know that behind every scientific breakthrough, there is a deep infrastructure of talented people driving the life sciences industry and making it possible for scientists and clinicians to make new strides. We are dedicated to finding the very best person for every aspect of our work because the innovations and discoveries that we enable together will lead to better technologies, better treatments, and a better future. Find out how you can make a 10x difference.

Equal Opportunity

Individuals seeking employment at 10x Genomics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.