Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D

Pacific Biosciences; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or Scientist II to join the Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group as a versatile bench scientist. You will support multiple research programs, purify proteins, prepare HiFi sequencing libraries, and perform sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.

The role requires hands-on biochemistry or molecular biology skills, rapid learning, and collaboration with Bioinformatics and Product teams. A strong team mindset and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field (Scientist I: recent PhD; Scientist II: 2+ years post-PhD).
• Hands-on bench skills in molecular biology and biochemistry with a track record of executing complex protocols.
• Recombinant protein expression and purification experience.
• NGS library preparation or similar multi-step workflows.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid and protein QC methods.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments in parallel.
• Coachable and collaborative; strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression and purification protocols (FPLC-based and high-throughput).
• Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments.
• Execute targeted enrichment workflows following PacBio protocols.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Biophysics

Chemistry

Bioengineering

NGS library prep

Protein expression

Purification

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field

Tools

FPLC

Qubit

Femto Pulse

Bioanalyzer

Job description

Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our mission is to enable the promise of genomics to better human health. Genomics is core to all biological processes, and our advanced genomics tools provide scientists and clinical researchers the insights to better understand biology and health. We are now entering the century of biology and genomics is at the heart of the next revolution. Become part of the new paradigm in gene sequencing and help shape the future of genomic study by joining the PacBio team.

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.

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.
• Scientist II level: execute across workflows with greater independence, troubleshoot and optimize protocols, and help train Research Associates.

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.

Non-Field Based Employees are req