Sr. RA/Associate Scientist, Analytical Quality Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Employee perks and discounts

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Sr. Research Associate / Associate Scientist to support analytical development and quality control activities for diagnostic reagent reagents.

This role will perform reagent characterization, lot release testing, stability studies, and analytical method execution to ensure reagents meet performance specifications. You will collaborate with the Reagent Development Scientist to generate analytical data for product development, process transfer, and

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 4–8 years of relevant industry experience in analytical QC, reagent development, or molecular diagnostics.
• Experience with analytical characterization and quality control of biological reagents.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic assays, PCR/qPCR, sequencing, or nucleic acid technologies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical QC testing of diagnostic reagent and kit components.
• Execute reagent lot release testing using established assays.
• Support development and qualification of QC methods for reagent characterization.
• Conduct stability studies to support shelf-life.
• Analyze QC data and establish acceptance criteria and specifications.
• Maintain reagent reference standards and QC documentation.
• Investigate OOS results and support root cause analyses.

Skills

Quality control testing

Stability studies

Molecular biology techniques

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Documentation

Regulatory familiarity

Education

B.S./M.S. in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Fluorescence assays

PCR/qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

HPLC/FPLC

Job description

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego-based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

About The Job

The Sr. Research Associate / Associate Scientist will support analytical development and quality control activities for diagnostic assay reagents. This individual will perform reagent characterization, lot release testing, stability studies, and analytical method execution to ensure reagents consistently meet performance specifications. Working closely with the Reagent Development Scientist, this role will generate the analytical data needed to support product development, process transfer, and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical quality control testing of diagnostic assay reagents and kit components.
• Execute reagent lot release testing using established analytical and functional assays.
• Support development, optimization, and qualification of QC methods for reagent characterization.
• Conduct real-time and accelerated stability studies to support shelf-life determination.
• Evaluate reagent performance over time through analytical and functional testing.
• Characterize enzymes, buffers, primers, probes, nucleotides, and other assay reagents using biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
• Support qualification of incoming raw materials and evaluate supplier lot consistency.
• Maintain reagent reference standards and QC documentation.
• Analyze QC data, identify trends, and assist in establishing acceptance criteria and specifications.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and support root cause analyses for reagent performance issues.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and follow established SOPs and Good Documentation Practices.

Qualifications

• Industry experience supporting reagent development, analytical QC, or assay development in molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, or life sciences.
• Hands-on experience performing quality control testing of biological or biochemical reagents.
• Experience conducting stability studies and supporting shelf-life evaluations.
• Familiarity with reagent lot release testing and QC documentation.
• Experience with analytical and molecular biology techniques, including:
• UV-Vis spectroscopy
• Fluorescence-based assays
• PCR/qPCR and functional assay testing
• Protein concentration and enzyme activity assays
• Gel electrophoresis
• HPLC/FPLC or capillary electrophoresis (preferred)
• Strong laboratory documentation and data analysis skills.
• Experience troubleshooting assay variability and investigating reagent performance issues.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and trending of QC data.
• Experience working in ISO 13485, or other regulated environments is desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced startup environment.

Education & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 4-8 years of relevant industry experience in analytical QC, reagent development, assay development, or molecular diagnostics.
• Demonstrated experience performing analytical characterization and quality control of biological or diagnostic reagents.
• Experience supporting reagent stability studies, shelf-life determination, and lot release testing.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic assays, PCR/qPCR, sequencing, or other nucleic acid technologies is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting product development or manufacturing in an IVD or regulated environment is a strong plus.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

$72,000 - $85,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $72,000 – $85,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.