Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D

1000 Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or II to join the Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group. The role involves protein purification, HiFi sequencing library preparation, and targeted enrichment workflows across multiple programs.

You will learn quickly, collaborate across teams, and contribute to high-quality data generation and documentation. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience in molecular biology/biochemistry, experience with protein expression/purification, and familiarity with sequencing

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Scientist I: recent PhD (0–2 years) including potential postdoc.
• Scientist II: 2+ years postdoc or industry experience.
• Hands-on bench skills in molecular biology/biochemistry with multi-step protocols.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience with NGS library preparation or similar workflows.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid and protein QC methods.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression and purification protocols (FPLC-based and plate-based) with the purification lead.
• Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.
• Execute targeted enrichment workflows following PacBio protocols, including guide RNA designs.
• Learn new protocols quickly and move between projects as priorities change.
• Perform QC on nucleic acids and proteins and evaluate results against metrics.
• Analyze and present data in team meetings and reports.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks and contribute to protocol improvements.
• Collaborate with Biochemistry & Reagents R&D, Bioinformatics, and Product Development.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

NGS library prep

Protein purification

Recombinant protein expression

QC methods

Data analysis (Python/R)

Scientific collaboration

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Postdoc experience (optional for Scientist I)

Relevant post-PhD industry experience

Tools

FPLC

HiFi sequencing platforms

Qubit

Bioanalyzer

Femto Pulse

SDS-PAGE

Job description

About Biochemistry R&D

We are PacBio's upstream research engine for third-generation sequencing chemistry and applications. Our team explores new enzymes, reaction chemistries, and molecular workflows, and tests feasibility of ideas that become PacBio's next products. When a concept works, it moves from our bench into Product Development and eventually onto sequencers in labs around the world. Some of our recent work spans HiFi library preparation, targeted enrichment of complex loci, and native detection of DNA modifications. We are a small, rigorous, and curious group. We pair hands-on biochemistry with sequencing data, work closely with Bioinformatics, Engineering, and Product teams, and give scientists real ownership of problems that matter.

Position Summary

PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or Scientist II (level commensurate with experience) to join the Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group as a versatile bench scientist supporting multiple research programs. In a given week, you may execute protein purifications alongside the group's protein purification lead, prepare HiFi sequencing libraries, run sequencing chemistry experiments, and carry out targeted enrichment workflows using established PacBio protocols. Success in this role comes from mastering a wide range of protocols quickly, moving between them seamlessly, and executing each with precision. The ideal candidate is a hands-on biochemist or molecular biologist who learns fast, welcomes coaching, and enjoys contributing across many projects in a collaborative team. Candidates coming directly from academic research are encouraged to apply. You do not need to match every bullet below; if you believe you would be an excellent fit, please apply.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression and purification protocols, including FPLC-based and plate-based high-throughput preparations, in partnership with the group's protein purification lead.
• Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.
• Execute targeted enrichment workflows following PacBio protocols, including testing new guide RNA designs.
• Learn new protocols quickly and move between projects and workflows as priorities change, while maintaining high quality and reproducibility.
• Perform QC on nucleic acids and proteins (e.g., Qubit, Femto Pulse or Bioanalyzer, SDS-PAGE) and evaluate results against defined performance metrics.
• Analyze and present data in team meetings and written reports.
• Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records and contribute to protocol troubleshooting and improvement.
• Collaborate with scientists across Biochemistry and Reagents R&D, Bioinformatics, and Product Development.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Scientist I: recent PhD, which may include a postdoc (minimum of 0–2 years).
• Scientist II: 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or post-PhD industry experience.
• Strong hands-on bench skills in molecular biology and biochemistry, with a record of executing complex, multi-step protocols reliably.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience with NGS library preparation or comparable multi-step molecular workflows.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid and protein QC methods.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments in parallel as priorities shift.
• Coachable and collaborative; seeks out feedback and applies it.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with long-read sequencing (PacBio HiFi or Oxford Nanopore) or CRISPR-based targeted sequencing workflows.
• Computational skills, such as data analysis in Python or R.
• Protein structure visualization (e.g., Chimera, PyMOL).
• Laboratory database management or LIMS experience.
• Experience with lab automation or liquid-handling platforms.

Salary Range

#LI-Onsite Salary Range: $97,400.00 - $168,000.00

Location & Hours

Non-Field Based Employees are required to be onsite Monday-Thursday (Friday work from home). Depending on the role, some employees may be required to be 100% onsite. You may be required from time to time to visit and work at PacBio locations and for such times as the Company considers necessary for the proper performance of your duties.

Equal Opportunity Employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Company Culture

At PacBio, we're all on a mission to enable the promise of genomics to better human health. It's what fuels us every day. Our team is passionate about catalyzing scientists pursuing biological discoveries, and we're looking for exceptional individuals like you to join us. If you're interested at being at the intersection where health and technology come together, then consider joining our team. We look forward to meeting you.

CORE VALUES

CORE VALUES: BE CURIOUS. Our future depends on it. DELIGHT OUR CUSTOMERS. We strive to get it right every time. TAKE ACTION. We move fast and take calculated risks. EXECUTION MATTERS. Our customers rely on us. WORK TOGETHER. We care deeply about each other.