Scientist I – Nanotechnology

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

Job summary

Digital Biotechnologies is seeking an Scientist I to design, coordinate, and execute research projects that leverage our solid-state sequencing platform for clinical diagnostics. You will generate high-quality data, build new assays, and tackle challenging technical problems that push the boundaries of molecular diagnostics.

In a collaborative, fast-paced startup, you will work with multidisciplinary teams to translate fundamental science into practical technologies, communicate results to

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanotech, or related field.
• Experience with nanoparticle synthesis and materials characterization.
• Ability to design experiments and troubleshoot in a fast-paced startup.
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize inorganic and organic nanomaterials and nanoscale interfaces.
• Perform routine and advanced microscopy (AFM, TEM, optical) and quantify image data.
• Independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot, and plan follow-ons.
• Prioritize multiple projects and meet milestones in a startup environment.
• Present findings to leadership and collaborators.
• Stay current with literature and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to design and optimization of nanoscale sensing technologies.

Skills

Nanomaterials synthesis

Microscopy techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Project management

Scientific communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, physics

Tools

AFM

TEM

Scanning probe microscopy

DNA/NGS techniques

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.

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 to join our growing team. This position will manage, design, and coordinate research-focused experiments that leverage Digital’s novel intellectual property to realize the company’s strategic objectives in fundamental science, health care and business development. Whether designing experiments, generating high-quality data, building new assays, 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.

Qualifications

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., atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (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.
• Present scientific findings to senior leadership and cross-functional teams, external collaborators, and scientific partners.
• 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 sensing technologies and experimental platforms.

Required

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

• PhD degree in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, engineering (biomedical, chemical, or materials), physics, or related field.
• Experience with nanoparticle, nanomaterials, electrochemical, and/or chemical synthesis and related characterization techniques.
• 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, 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, NGS).
• Strong technical communication skills, including technical documentation (e.g., reports, SOPs, research protocols), technical presentations, and project documentation/tracking.
• Experience with nanoscale device characterization, biosensors, solid-state sensing technologies, electrochemical sensing, or related instrumentation.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary or startup research environment.

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

$101,600 - $152,400

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, biochemistry, DNA nanotechnology, solid-state physics, microfabrication, electronics, signal processing, software, 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.