Sr./Staff Scientist – Surface Chemistry

Sarmal

San Diego, Northern (CA, KY)

Hybrid

USD 125,000 - 162,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego develops next‑gen genomics and molecular detection platforms. We are seeking a Senior Scientist to Staff Scientist Surface Chemist to drive the design, development, and optimization of functionalized surfaces for NGS and IVD applications.

This role sits at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and device engineering. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on expertise in surface chemistry, thin films, and patterning, with a track record of troubleshooting

Qualifications

Experience developing functional surfaces for biomolecular applications and ultra-low fouling surfaces.
Knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry and surface effects on hybridization.
Hands-on surface deposition/patterning methods (PE-CVD, CVD, spin/dip/spray, plasma activation, photolithography or inkjet patterning).
Experience with electrode surfaces (gold, platinum, carbon, ITO) and electrochemical platforms.
Experience with diverse substrates: glass, silicon, metals, polymers, patterned surfaces.
Strong DOE, statistics, and data interpretation skills.
Empirical knowledge of bioconjugations on microarrays and biointerfaces.
Proficiency with surface characterization methods (contact angle, XPS, AFM, SEM/EDS, ellipsometry, FTIR, QCM-D, profilometry).
Familiarity with QC method development for surface characterization.

Responsibilities

Design, synthesize, and optimize surface chemistries for oligonucleotide immobilization, amplification, and hybridization on NGS and IVD platforms.
Develop and optimize surface functionalization on diverse substrates.
Lead scale‑up of surface deposition and patterning processes (PE‑CVD, CVD, spin/coating, plasma, print patterning).
Characterize surface chemistry performance and quality; correlate properties to assay performance.
Collaborate on electrode surface modification and electrochemical evaluation.
Design DOEs to optimize coating uniformity and lot‑to‑lot consistency; support root‑cause investigations.
Maintain technical reports, batch records, and regulatory documentation.
Maintain awareness of literature and emerging technologies.
Mentor scientists; may manage junior staff.
Support IP strategy and invention disclosures.

Skills

Surface chemistry

DOE & data analysis

Nucleic acid chemistry

Patterning/Deposition

Electrochemical characterization

Analytical spectroscopy

Troubleshooting

Documentation & QC

Mentoring

Regulatory awareness

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

M.S. in Materials Science or Chemistry

B.S. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

PE-CVD

CVD

Spin coating

Dip coating

Spray coating

Plasma activation/etching

Photolithography

Inkjet patterning

XPS

AFM

SEM

QCM‑D

Ellipsometry

FTIR

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

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to Staff Scientist Surface Chemist to drive the design, development, and optimization of functionalized surfaces for next-generation sequencing (NGS), and molecular diagnostic (IVD) platforms. This role sits at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and device engineering, and is responsible for developing robust, manufacturable surface chemistries (including hydrogel, silane, self-assembled monolayers, brush polymer surfaces) for ultra-low fouling, oligonucleotide/probe immobilization, hybridization and various molecular processes.

The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑on expertise in various surface chemistry methods, thin‑film deposition techniques, and a broad analytical toolkit for surface characterization, combined with the ability to troubleshoot chemistry performance in the context of an integrated diagnostic device.

Key Responsibilities

Design, synthesize, and optimize surface chemistries (hydrogel, silane, self‑assembled monolayers, brush polymer surfaces) for oligonucleotide/probe immobilization, amplification, and hybridization chemistries on next‑generation sequencing (NGS), and molecular diagnostic (IVD) platforms.
Develop and optimize surface functionalization processes on diverse substrate materials — glass, silicon, silicon nitride, metals/metal oxides, noble‑metal electrodes, polymers, and patterned/micro‑structured surfaces.
Lead development and scale‑up of surface deposition and patterning processes, including PE‑CVD, CVD, spin‑coating, dip‑coating, spray‑coating, vapor‑phase deposition, plasma treatment/activation, and photolithographic/printed patterning methods.
Characterize surface chemistry performance and quality using a broad suite of analytical techniques, correlating physicochemical properties to assay performance (signal, specificity, uniformity, density, non‑specific binding).
Work closely with electrode‑based platform on surface modification of working/reference/counter electrodes and evaluation of electrochemical performance.
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 to optimize 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.
Maintain awareness of literature and emerging technologies in surface chemistry, biofunctionalization, and diagnostic surface engineering; evaluate new materials/methods for potential adoption.
Mentor junior scientists and associates; may manage or direct the work of research associates.
Support IP strategy, including invention disclosures and patent support.
Contribute to troubleshooting surface performance issues and root‑cause analysis.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Experience in developing functional surfaces for biomolecular applications, ultra-low fouling surfaces, polymer thin‑films, hydrogel networks.
Working knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry and how surface properties affect hybridization thermodynamics, kinetics, etc.
Surface deposition/patterning methods (PE‑CVD, CVD, spin/dip/spray coating, plasma activation/etching, and photolithographic, or inkjet‑based patterning.)
Experience working with electrode surfaces and materials (e.g., gold, platinum, carbon, ITO) and/or electrochemical platforms.
Experience with a wide range of substrate materials, including glass, silicon/silicon‑based substrates, metal/metal‑oxide, polymers/plastics, and patterned/micro‑structured or micro‑fabricated surfaces.
Strong DOE, statistical analysis, and data interpretation skills.
Solid empirical knowledge of bioconjugations in the context of microarrays and biointerfaces.
Hands‑on experience with analytical surface characterization methods:
Contact angle goniometry / surface energy analysis
X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) / SEM‑EDS
Ellipsometry (film thickness/uniformity)
Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, incl. ATR‑FTIR)
Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM‑D)
Profilometry (surface roughness/topography)
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) / cyclic voltammetry (CV)
Fluorescence‑based surface density/uniformity assays
Zeta potential & surface charge characterization
Time‑of‑Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF‑SIMS)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to cross‑functional and leadership audiences.
Familiarity with QC method development for surface characterization.

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience developing surface chemistry for NGS flow cells, IVD consumables, or microarray substrates in a regulated IVD or medical device environment.
Experience with design controls (21 CFR 820.30 / ISO 13485) and transfer of chemistry/processes to manufacturing.
Experience with cleanroom processes and semiconductor‑adjacent fabrication techniques.
Familiarity with biosensor or point‑of‑care diagnostic platform development.

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Surface Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Minimum experience of 7 years with B.S., 5 years with M.S., or 3 years with Ph.D.

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.

$125,000 - $162,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 - $162,000, 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