Senior Research Associate, Surface Chemistry for Biosensors

Sarmal Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, & vision

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Discount programs

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego-based biotechnology company seeking a RA2/Senior RA to support production-oriented surface functionalization for a biosensor platform.

This hands-on role emphasizes independent batch execution, thorough documentation, and collaboration with in-house scientists in a fast-paced early-stage environment. Qualified candidates have lab experience with interfacial materials, surface chemistry, and DOE-driven testing; entry-level candidates are not considered.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with interfacial materials and executing analytical methods (fluorescence-based uniformity assays, goniometry).
• Experience with nucleotide-based assay chemistries or biofunctionalized surfaces (oligonucleotide immobilization, hybridization).
• Proven ability to perform precise batch/production execution within a documented process/manufacturing pipeline.
• Familiarity with DOE fundamentals and basic statistics to interpret test plans.
• Comfort with structured documentation (batch records, ELN, GDP-style recordkeeping).

Responsibilities

• Execute surface functionalization batch runs per SOPs, independently after onboarding.
• Operate core surface characterization methods (fluorescence-based assays, contact angle, EIS/CV) for batch and process characterization.
• Summarize characterization results (thickness, density, uniformity, charge) and flag trends affecting assay performance.
• Support development of nucleotide-based assay consumables and biofunctionalized surface work.
• Assist with surface deposition/patterning (spin-, dip-, spray-coating; plasma activation; DOE testing).
• Execute DOE test plans and apply basic statistical analysis to interpret results.
• Log data in lab notebooks/ELN and flag deviations from expected parameters.
• Maintain inventory of chemistry consumables and reagents; keep lab space compliant with site protocols.
• Collaborate with in-house scientists; troubleshoot routine issues and escalate non-routine ones.

Skills

Interfacial materials

Nucleotide assays

Batch/production execution

DOE statistics

Documentation & ELN

Education

BS/MS in Chemistry or Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Bioengineering

Job description

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego-based biotechnology company seeking a RA2/Senior RA to support production-oriented surface functionalization for a biosensor platform.

This hands-on role emphasizes independent batch execution, thorough documentation, and collaboration with in-house scientists in a fast-paced early-stage environment. Qualified candidates have lab experience with interfacial materials, surface chemistry, and DOE-driven testing; entry-level candidates are not considered.