Senior Scientist, Biochemistry

PacBio; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

PacBio is seeking a Senior Scientist to join an interdisciplinary team addressing biochemical challenges to advance DNA sequencing technology. The candidate will perform hands‑on experiments, develop assays, design substrates, and analyze data, working across disciplines to drive solutions.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, 2–5 years of experience, independently driven collaboration, and strong communication skills. Onsite in the US with potential travel to PacBio locations.

Qualifications

• PhD required or equivalent.
• 2–5 years related experience (may include post‑doc).
• Hands‑on biochemical/biophysical experimentation and assay development.
• Analytical problem‑solving and scientific curiosity.
• Ability to use AI‑assisted tools for research and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis‑driven experiments to support sequencing chemistry development.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Design, source, and use custom DNA substrates and specialized reagents.
• Analyze data, assess reproducibility, present findings in meetings.
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines to solve technical challenges.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to planning and discussions.

Skills

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Molecular Biology

Chemistry

Education

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

Job description

Senior Scientist, Biochemistry

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.

PacBio is seeking a Senior Scientist to join an interdisciplinary team addressing biochemical challenges to advance our DNA sequencing technology. The successful candidate will contribute through hands‑on laboratory experimentation, biochemical assay development, experimental design, and data analysis.

We are looking for a curious, creative, and motivated scientist who enjoys tackling challenging scientific problems, designing thoughtful and informative experiments, and collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis‑driven experiments that generate actionable insights to support sequencing chemistry development.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot biochemical and biophysical assays, including single‑molecule approaches, to characterize reaction performance and evaluate potential solutions.
• Design, source, and use custom DNA substrates and other specialized reagents for biochemical and biophysical experiments.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, assess reproducibility, and present findings and conclusions in scientific and project meetings.
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines to investigate technical challenges and develop solutions guided by biochemical insights.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to experimental planning and scientific discussions.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2-5 years related experience; may include post‑doctoral experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience in biochemical or biophysical experimentation, including assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Scientific curiosity, creativity, and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively use AI‑assisted tools for scientific research, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Hands‑on experience with single‑molecule fluorescence microscopy or other single‑molecule biophysical techniques.
• Background in DNA polymerases, enzyme kinetics, DNA–protein interactions, or DNA sequencing technologies.
• Experience in molecular biology techniques, including primer design, DNA manipulation, and use of custom‑designed DNA substrates.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and quantitative analysis of biochemical or biophysical data.

Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.

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.

All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities.

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.

Salary Range:

$128,800.00 - $193,200.00

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us at 650-521-8000, or [e-mail] for assistance.

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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.