Senior Scientist, Microbiology

Chromologic-LLC-5; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ChromoLogic LLC is seeking a Senior Scientist, Microbiology, to lead diagnostic assay development across infectious diseases and cancer biomarkers. This role requires independent scientific leadership and hands-on expertise in molecular biology, microbial genomics, and translational research.

You will collaborate with bioinformaticians, clinicians, engineers, and external partners to drive target validation, grant-funded projects, and product development, while mentoring junior scientists and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with minimum 3+ years postdoctoral/industry experience.
• Expertise in microbiology and molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/RT-ddPCR, culturing, metagenomics, and NGS workflows.
• Strong publication, patent, or grant submission track record and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, optimization, and validation of molecular, microbial, genomic, and cellular diagnostic assays for point-of-care and lab use.
• Drive research programs in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, cancer biomarkers, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Design and execute complex experiments with NGS, metagenomics, and transcriptomics; interpret data to identify targets and biomarkers.

Skills

Genomic DNA extraction

RNA extraction

qPCR

RT-PCR

ddPCR

Microbial culture

Metagenomic analysis

NGS workflows

Nucleic acid assay development

Bioinformatics tools

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field

Tools

Regulatory & quality systems knowledge

Job description

Join ChromoLogic and Shape the Future of Precision Diagnostics

ChromoLogic is an innovative biotechnology company advancing groundbreaking biomedical research and next-generation diagnostic technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist, Microbiology to lead cutting-edge research programs focused on infectious diseases, cancer diagnostics, molecular biology, and genomics.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of microbiology, molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing novel diagnostic instruments and assays utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), microbial genomics, metagenomics, microRNA analysis, and advanced molecular detection technologies.

The ideal candidate is an independent scientific leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and is passionate about transforming innovative research into real-world healthcare solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Research

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of molecular, microbial, genomic, and cellular diagnostic assays for point-of-care and laboratory-based applications
• Drive innovative research programs focused on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, cancer biomarkers, host-pathogen interactions, and precision medicine
• Design and execute complex experiments involving NGS, metagenomics, microbial genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular diagnostics
• Interpret experimental results and integrate genomic, molecular, and systems biology data to identify novel diagnostic targets and biomarkers

Program Development & Collaboration

• Develop scientific strategies for target validation and translational research initiatives
• Collaborate closely with bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, clinicians, engineers, and external partners to advance research and product development programs
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior scientists, and research associates
• Identify emerging technologies and scientific opportunities to expand ChromoLogic's research portfolio

Grant Writing & Technical Documentation

• Develop and manage federally funded research programs including SBIR/STTR and other grant-funded initiatives
• Prepare technical reports, research publications, regulatory documentation, patents, grant proposals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Present scientific findings to internal leadership, collaborators, sponsors, and scientific conferences

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Minimum 3+ years of postdoctoral, industrial, government, or equivalent research experience
• Demonstrated expertise in microbiology and molecular biology techniques, including:
  • Genomic DNA and RNA extraction
  • qPCR, RT-PCR, and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
  • Microbial culture and characterization
  • Metagenomic and microbiome analysis
  • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows
  • Nucleic acid assay development and validation
• Experience with infectious disease diagnostics, microbial genomics, host-pathogen biology, or pathogen detection technologies
• Strong understanding of bioinformatics tools for genomic, transcriptomic, and pathway analysis
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and lead research initiatives
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills with a strong record of publications, technical reports, patents, or grant submissions
• Demonstrated success working in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing diagnostic devices, biosensors, or point-of-care technologies
• Knowledge of microbiome sequencing and analysis
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments including CLIA, CAP, FDA, or ISO-related quality systems
• Familiarity with AI-assisted analytics, computational biology, or machine learning approaches applied to biological datasets
• Experience with technology commercialization, intellectual property development, or product development pipelines

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead transformative research programs that impact global health
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial scientific environment
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies spanning microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and biomedical engineering
• Career growth opportunities with leadership responsibilities
• Competitive salary, benefits, and participation in innovative federally funded and commercial R&D initiatives

About ChromoLogic

ChromoLogic LLC (www.chromologic.com) is dedicated to advancing breakthrough biomedical technologies that improve human health through innovative diagnostics, genomics, and translational research. Our multidisciplinary team combines scientific excellence with entrepreneurial spirit to develop next-generation solutions for infectious disease detection, cancer diagnostics, and precision medicine.