Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Element Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary annual bonus

No cost health insurance plans

401k with company match

Flexible paid time off

Job summary

Element Biosciences is seeking a Scientist to lead surface chemistry efforts for next‑generation sequencing and multiomics products in San Diego. You will design experiments, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and translate research concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions.

The role reports to the Director of Surface Chemistry and emphasizes hands‑on execution, data analysis, and communication of findings to drive decision‑making and product progress.

Qualifications

• PhD in one of the listed fields is required.
• 0–2 years in surface chemistry or related field is a plus.
• Strong publication and presentation record is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate surface chemistry approaches for NGS/multiomics applications.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate cell–material interfaces using in vitro models.
• Support product development with experimental design, prototyping, testing, and data analysis.
• Assist in troubleshooting surface fouling, non-specific binding, or cell compatibility issues.
• Transfer surface chemistry solutions from research to product development and manufacturing.

Skills

Surface chemistry

Experiment design

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or related field

0–2 years postdoc/industry experience in surface chemistry or biomolecular interfaces

Strong publication/presentation record

Tools

AFM

Ellipsometry

FTIR

SEM

TOF-SIMS

XPS

Job description

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our surface chemistry team and contribute to the development of innovative new products in the field of next-generation sequencing and multiomics applications. In this role, you will lead technical execution within defined projects, contribute original ideas, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to translate research concepts into robust, manufacturable products. This role will report to the Director, Surface Chemistry and will be a San Diego based role.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of surface chemistry approaches to support next-generation sequencing/multiomics applications
• Design and execute experiments, with guidance from senior scientists, to evaluate cell–material interfaces using relevant in vitro models
• Support defined product development efforts, including experimental design, prototyping, functional testing, and data analysis
• Assist in troubleshooting performance issues related to surface fouling, non‑specific binding, or cell compatibility
• Help identify and address experimental challenges related to assay design, protocol execution, reagent selection, and surface performance
• Assist in the transfer of surface chemistry solutions from research into product development and manufacturing, in collaboration with process development and operations teams
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in laboratory experimentation and troubleshooting throughout the development lifecycle
• Contribute ideas and technical insight to early‑stage concept development and feasibility assessments
• Contribute technical input to invention disclosures and patent applications, under the guidance of the IP legal team and senior technical leadership
• Collaborate with colleagues in product management, assay development, engineering, and manufacturing to support alignment and successful execution
• Prepare and deliver clear technical reports and presentations that summarize findings, support decision‑making, and document development progress

Education and Experience:

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or a related field
• 0-2 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in surface chemistry, materials science, or biomolecular interfaces in life sciences or diagnostics is a plus; recent PhD graduates are encouraged to apply
• Strong publication and presentation record demonstrating research rigor and depth; patent or novel‑method contributions are a plus
• Solid foundational knowledge of surface chemistry, polymer chemistry, and biomolecule–surface interactions is required
• Working understanding of cell biology, especially cell adhesion and extracellular matrix interactions
• Exposure to functional coatings for cell‑based/biological assays in microfluidics or lab-on-chip devices is a plus
• Background in NGS, genomics, proteomics, or multiomics platforms is a plus
• Familiarity with surface analytical techniques such as AFM, ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM, TOF‑SIMS, and XPS is a plus
• General awareness of manufacturing constraints, process transfer, or scale-up considerations
• Operate with growing independence in experimental planning, execution, and data interpretation, with guidance and mentorship from senior scientists
• Apply sound scientific judgment to novel or ambiguous technical challenges, escalating and collaborating with senior team members as needed
• Help identify risks, knowledge gaps, and opportunities, and contribute data‑driven recommendations within defined project scope
• Communicate with clarity across disciplines to support alignment and effective collaboration

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds
• The position requires physical activity and the handling of chemicals. Candidates are required to follow the safety protocols and be familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the laboratory environment

Location:

• San Diego – On‑Site

Travel:

• Up to 5% or as needed

Job Type:

• Full‑time, Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range:

• $102,000 - $125,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.