Sr. Research Associate -Systems Integration

Sarmal Inc

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 72,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

Sarmal Inc. in San Diego seeks a Senior Research Associate to drive systems integration for our molecular diagnostics platform.

You will translate bench-scale processes into automated, sample-to-answer workflows and work with assay development, chemistry, and engineering teams. You will design and execute integration tests, analyze performance, and generate documentation to support design history files and regulatory submissions while collaborating with quality and regulatory functions as the

Qualifications

BS/MS in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field with 5+ years of experience.
Experience developing with early prototype systems and iterative design cycles.
Hands-on consumable characterization and root-cause analysis.
Fluorescence imaging/spectroscopy instrumentation and data analysis.
Experience with flow cell-based systems, GMP/ISO/FDA documentation, and design controls.
Strong written and verbal communication, cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

Build, characterize, and iterate on early prototype instrument and consumable systems with cross-functional teams.
Lead integration testing, risk analysis, and troubleshooting across development cycles.
Design and execute studies to characterize consumable performance across lots and iterations.
Support fluidic/flow cell systems and associated diagnostics hardware and software.
Translate bench-scale processes into integrated workflows for automated platforms.
Define testing protocols spanning fluidics, electronics, and assay chemistry.
Maintain documentation and contribute to regulatory submissions as needed.
Collaborate with QA/Regulatory to align with design controls for V&V.

Skills

Molecular biology

Fluorescence imaging

Flow cell systems

Documentation practices

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Biomedical Engineering

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Python/R

Flow cytometry software

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 teamoperatingin 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. AtSarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, anda buildermindset. 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

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to drive systems integration efforts for our molecular diagnostics platform. This role sits at the interface of molecular biology and engineering andis responsible forthe transition and optimization of molecular and biochemical processes onto automated sample-to-answer molecular diagnostic instrument platform and consumable.

Key Responsibilities

Build, characterize, and iterate on early prototypeinstrumentand consumable systems, working closely with engineering, assay development, and chemistry teams.
Lead integration testing, risk analysis, and troubleshooting across development cycles.
Design and execute studies to characterize consumable performance (e.g.,flowcell fluidics, reagent cartridges, sample prep modules) across manufacturing lots and design iterations.
Support development and troubleshooting of fluidic and flow cell–based systems, including flow path design, priming/wetting behavior, bubble management, dead volume, and flow uniformity.
Operate and troubleshoot fluorescence-based detection systems (imaging or plate-reader based), evaluating performance using metrics such as signal intensity, background, specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Translate bench‑scale sample preparation, molecularprocessesanddetectionchemistries into integrated, system-compatible workflows.
Define and execute integration testing protocols spanning fluidics, electronics/instrumentation, and assay chemistry toidentify failure modes and performance bottlenecks.
Generate andmaintainrigorous documentation (protocols, data records, technical reports) suitable fordesignhistory files and regulatory submissions.
Collaborate with quality and regulatory functions to ensure development work aligns with GMP/ISO/FDA design control requirements as the program advances toward verification and validation.
Contribute to design‑for‑manufacturability and design‑for‑reliability discussions for consumable and instrument subsystems.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Assay Development, Reagent Chemistry, Device/Instrument Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory teams to transition surface chemistry processes from R&D through pilot scale-up and into IVD manufacturing under design control.
Design and execute DOEs tooptimize coating uniformity, reproducibility, shelf‑life/stability, and lot‑to‑lot consistency; support root cause investigations and CAPAs related to surface chemistry performance.
Author and maintain technical reports, protocols, batch records, DHF/design control documentation, and contribute to regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA 510(k)/PMA, CE‑IVDR) as needed.
Support IP strategy, including invention disclosures and patent support.
Present data and recommendations to cross‑functional project teams and leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

BS/MS in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Demonstrated experience in product development with early prototype systems — comfortable working with immature hardware, ambiguous specs, and iterative design cycles
Hands‑on experience with consumable characterization — designing test methods, defining acceptance criteria, and driving root‑cause analysis on consumable performance issues
Hands‑on experience with fluorescence imaging and/or fluorescence spectroscopy instrumentation, including image/data analysis for signal characterization
Experience working with fluidic and/or flow cell–based systems (microfluidics, cartridge‑based systems, or similar) — understanding of flow behavior, fluid handling, and common failure modes
Experience working in a regulated environment (GMP, ISO 13485, FDA design controls) with familiarity in documentation practices supporting design history files and quality systems
Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques relevant to nucleic acid‑based diagnostics (nucleic acid extraction/purification, PCR or isothermal amplification, sample preparation workflows)
Strong hands‑on laboratory skills, meticulous record‑keeping, and the ability to troubleshoot systematically across chemistry, biology, and hardware domains
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to synthesize data into clear reports for cross‑functional audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with in vitro diagnostics (IVD) product development, particularly moleculardiagnosticsor point‑of‑care platforms.
Experience with automated liquid‑handling systems is a plus
Familiarity with whole blood sample handling, including cell lysis, nucleic acid depletion/enrichment strategies, or blood‑based sample stabilization/cryopreservation.
Experience supporting verification and validation (V&V) activities or transfer to manufacturing.
Statistical data analysis skills (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Python/R) for characterization and DOE studies.

Education

BS/MS in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

Benefits & Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

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