Scientist I – Nanotechnology

Digital Biotechnologies Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Biotechnologies is seeking an exceptional Scientist I with expertise in nanomaterials synthesis to join our growing team in Seattle. You will design, execute, and interpret research experiments leveraging our IP to advance diagnostics and device platforms.

The role emphasizes independent experimental design, data interpretation, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced startup. A PhD and hands-on synthesis/characterization experience are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with chemical and/or electrochemical synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, nanomaterials, or nanostructures and their characterization.
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proven critical thinking skills and ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, evaluate multiple technical approaches and select the most appropriate strategy to achieve project goals.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize inorganic and organic nanomaterials and nanoscale interfaces in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Perform routine and advanced microscopy (e.g., AFM, TEM, optical microscopy) and corresponding quantitative image analysis to characterize nanomaterials, devices, and biomolecular interactions.
• Independently design experiments, analyze, and interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop follow-on experimental strategies.
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple research projects and experiments of varying size, complexity, and scope while meeting project milestones in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Clearly communicate scientific findings and recommendations to team members, company leadership, and external collaborators.
• Serve as a technical resource in nanotechnology by staying current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, methodologies, and scientific advances.
• Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of novel nanoscale devices, sensing technologies, and experimental platforms.

Skills

nanomaterials synthesis

characterization

microscopy

experimental design

data analysis

multidisciplinary collaboration

scientific communication

startup experience

nanotechnology

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Tools

AFM

TEM

Optical microscopy

Job description

Position Overview

Digital Biotechnologies is developing a solid-state single-molecule sequencing platform designed to deliver rapid, affordable, and accessible DNA sequencing in clinical settings. Our vision is a future where DNA sequencing becomes a routine clinical diagnostic—empowering physicians with actionable genetic information whenever and wherever it is needed. Looking ahead, our platform has the potential to expand beyond DNA to RNA and other biomolecules.

We are seeking an exceptional Scientist I with expertise in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization to join our growing team. This position will design, execute, and interpret research-focused experiments that leverage Digital’s intellectual property to realize the company’s strategic objectives in fundamental science, health care, and business development. Whether designing experiments, building new assays, generating high-quality data, or solving complex technical challenges, your contributions will directly influence the development of a technology with the potential to transform molecular diagnostics.

If you are excited by solving challenging scientific problems, thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, and want your work to have a direct impact on the future of clinical diagnostics, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Design, synthesize, and characterize inorganic and organic nanomaterials and nanoscale interfaces in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.

• Perform routine and advanced microscopy (e.g., AFM, TEM, optical microscopy) and corresponding quantitative image analysis to characterize nanomaterials, devices, and biomolecular interactions.

• Independently design experiments, analyze, and interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop follow-on experimental strategies.

• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple research projects and experiments of varying size, complexity, and scope while meeting project milestones in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Clearly communicate scientific findings and recommendations to team members, company leadership, and external collaborators.

• Serve as a technical resource in nanotechnology by staying current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, methodologies, and scientific advances.

• Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of novel nanoscale devices, sensing technologies, and experimental platforms.

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

• PhD degree in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, engineering (biomedical, chemical, or materials), physics, or related field.

• Hands-on experience with chemical and/or electrochemical synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, nanomaterials, or nanostructures and their characterization.

• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with multidisciplinary research teams.

• Proven critical thinking skills and ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, evaluate multiple technical approaches and select the most appropriate strategy to achieve project goals.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred

• Experience with chemical modification, functionalization, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles, nanomaterials, nanostructures, biomolecules, and/or biomolecular interfaces.

• Experience with electron and/or scanning probe microscopy.

• Experience working with DNA and related molecular biology techniques (e.g., purification, quantification, oligo design, NGS).

• Experience with nanoscale device characterization, biosensing, solid-state sensing technologies, electrochemical sensing, or related techniques and instrumentation.

• Strong technical communication skills, including technical documentation (e.g., reports, SOPs, research protocols), technical presentations, and project documentation/tracking.

• Experience working in a startup research environment and/or ability to adapt experimental priorities as technical results and company needs evolve.

Working Conditions

• This position is primarily laboratory-based and involves working with chemicals, nanomaterials, and biological specimens in accordance with established safety protocols.

• Occasional evening or extended work hours may be required to support experiments, critical milestones, or project deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or sit for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.

• Perform repetitive laboratory tasks requiring fine motor skills.

• Regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

• Occasionally lift items weighing more than 20 pounds using appropriate assistance or equipment.

• Consistently follow laboratory safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.

Compensation

Annual base salary range: $101,600–$152,400 USD

The base salary range is informed by market compensation data for comparable roles and levels. Individual base salary is determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and other job-related factors.

In addition to base salary and benefits, this position includes company equity. As an early team member, you will have the opportunity to share in the value you help create as Digital Biotechnologies grows.

About Digital Biotechnologies

Help make DNA sequencing a routine clinical diagnostic.

Today, most DNA sequencing requires specialized laboratories, expensive instrumentation, and days to weeks before results reach physicians. While these technologies have transformed biological research and clinical testing, they remain too slow, costly, and operationally complex for many time-sensitive clinical applications. Digital Biotechnologies is changing that.

Achieving this vision requires expertise that spans multiple scientific and engineering disciplines. Our team integrates molecular biology, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, solid-state physics, microfabrication, electronics, signal processing, and data science to solve one of the most challenging problems in biotechnology. It is this interdisciplinary approach that enables us to develop technologies that would not be possible within any single field alone.

Backed by $15 million in Series A financing following early support from Adaptive Biotechnologies, Digital offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative startup environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in shaping both the technology and the company.