--- title: 'Research Associate I/II – Microbiology & Molecular Biology at Sarmal Inc' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-i-ii-microbiology-molecular-biology-sarmal-inc-san-diego-7q3drhjess63' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-03' --- # Research Associate I/II – Microbiology & Molecular Biology at Sarmal Inc - **Company:** Sarmal Inc - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Compensation:** $72k–$85k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-10-14 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/sarmal-inc/314c214c-e219-4a0b-92b5-293033512749 ## 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 highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our R&D team developing innovative diagnostic technologies. The successful candidate will support the development, optimization, and analytical evaluation of molecular and microbiological assays for diagnostic applications. This role will involve hands-on laboratory research, including microbial culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, sample preparation, and analysis of biological specimens. The ideal candidate will have strong microbiology and molecular biology skills, excellent experimental judgment, and an interest in translating laboratory technologies into reliable, scalable diagnostic products. ## Key Responsibilities - Perform microbiological workflows, including aerobic and anaerobic culture, microbial identification, dilution series preparation, enumeration, Gram staining, and microorganism characterization. - Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, nucleic acid purification and quantification/quality assessment using methods such as Qubit, NanoDrop, qPCR-based quantification, or equivalent methods. - Develop and optimize sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction workflows for clinical or biological specimens, including host/background depletion, microbial lysis, enrichment/concentration, nucleic acid purification, and recovery. - Design, execute, and optimize experiments supporting the development of molecular and microbiological diagnostic assays. - Prepare and characterize biological samples, controls, standards, and reference materials used in assay development. - Generate, organize, and analyze experimental data, and communicate results to project teams. - Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure experimental work is performed according to established protocols and quality practices. - Contribute to the development and optimization of standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and assay documentation. - Collaborate with scientists, engineers, automation teams, and other R&D team members to integrate sample preparation and biological assays with diagnostic platforms and technologies. - Support technology transfer, assay verification/validation, and scale-up activities as projects progress toward product development. ## Qualifications Required Qualifications - Hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology including aseptic technique, culture, isolation, Gram staining, identification, enumeration, and characterization of microorganisms, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms. - Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid purification. Experience with nucleic acid quantification and quality assessment using methods such as Qubit, NanoDrop, qPCR-based quantification, or equivalent methods. - Experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction workflows from biological or clinical sample matrices. - Experience with the safe handling and culture of microorganisms in a BSL-2 laboratory environment. - Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and thorough laboratory documentation. - Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D team. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience culturing and characterizing clinically relevant bacterial and/or fungal organisms, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms. - Experience with nucleic acid extraction from complex biological matrices, particularly whole blood or other clinical specimen types. - Experience with PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, isothermal amplification, or other nucleic acid amplification technologies. ## Nice to have but not required - Experience preparing microbial dilution series. - Familiarity generating contrived or mock clinical samples by spiking microorganisms into relevant biological matrices. - Experience with automated or semi-automated nucleic acid extraction platforms, such as KingFisher or comparable magnetic bead-based extraction systems. - Experience evaluating sample preparation or assay performance, including microbial/nucleic acid recovery, analytical sensitivity, reproducibility, matrix effects, and inhibition. Education Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline. ## 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. ## 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. ## About Sarmal Inc ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Sarmal is a San Diego-based genomics company developing next-generation innovations in advanced nucleic acid sequencing and target sequence detection. - **Entity Type**: Private (Venture Capital-Backed; Latest Deal Type: Series A1) - **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, United States (9310 Athena Circle, Suite 250, La Jolla, CA 92037) - **Founded**: 2019 - **Founders**: Inanc Ortac (CEO, Founder, CSO) ## Core Business - **Primary Industry**: Biotechnology / Genomics - **Target Customers**: B2B (healthcare and research sectors) - **Mission/Purpose**: To develop breakthrough technologies in advanced nucleic acid sequencing and nucleic acid-based detection, making genetic analysis and molecular testing fast, accessible, and cost-effective. ## Products & Services - **FLASH Sequencing Platform**: A single-molecule DNA sequencing technology that can achieve unlimited read lengths, enabling whole-genome sequencing with low-cost devices and low error rates. - **TEEM Target Detection Platform**: A portable, field-deployable nucleic acid-based diagnostic platform for molecular testing. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly available (latest round: Series A1) - **Key Metric**: Total Funding of $5M (Series A1, closed January 2026) - **Notable Investors**: BUBA Ventures, MENE Ventures - **Growth Signals**: Headcount has grown 300% year-over-year to 14 employees; active job postings (2 open roles as of latest data); has filed 7 patents, with one granted in August 2024 for "Methods for single molecule sequencing." ## Competitive Advantages - **Proprietary Technology**: The FLASH Sequencing Platform’s ability to achieve unlimited read lengths is a significant differentiator in the genomics field, potentially enabling lower-cost, more comprehensive genome sequencing. - **Interdisciplinary Team**: Combines expertise across biology, chemistry, engineering, and software to build transformative genomic technologies. - **Patent Portfolio**: 7 patents filed, providing intellectual property protection for core technologies. ## Strategic Focus - **Current Priority**: Scaling the team and advancing both the FLASH Sequencing and TEEM Target Detection platforms from R&D toward commercialization. - **Direction**: To transform genomics by making whole-genome sequencing accessible and field-deployable diagnostics a reality. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: A small, entrepreneurial R&D team (14 people) focused on breakthrough innovation. The team brings together interdisciplinary expertise, offering a hands-on, high-impact environment. - **Work Policy**: All current job postings (Associate Director - Microbiology, Test Engineer 2, Procurement Specialist, Research Associate II, Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Staff Sci, RA II/Sr. RA) are listed as **On-site** in San Diego. No remote or hybrid options are currently advertised. - **Notable Perks**: The company uses AI tools to support the hiring process but emphasizes that final hiring decisions are made by humans. The small team size suggests significant ownership and visibility across projects. - **Engineering Culture**: Strong focus on cutting-edge science in a startup environment; employees come from companies like Encodia, Ansa Biotechnologies, and TriLink BioTechnologies. ## Sources 1. [LinkedIn - Sarmal Inc](https://linkedin.com/company/sarmal-inc) 2. [Sarmal Careers Page (Lever)](https://jobs.lever.co/sarmal-inc) 3. [CB Insights - Sarmal](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/sarmal) 4. [PitchBook - Sarmal Company Profile](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/593263-63) 5. [The Org - Sarmal, Inc.](https://theorg.com/org/sarmal-inc) ## Other roles at Sarmal Inc - [Research Associate II/Sr. Research Associate – Surface Chemistry](https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-sr-research-associate-surface-chemistry-sarmal-inc-san-zrtn391dvv6f) — San Diego, CA - [Research Technician – Surface Chemistry](https://feeny.ai/job/research-technician-surface-chemistry-sarmal-inc-san-diego-atk672gmf9p5) — San Diego, CA - [Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/product-manager-sarmal-inc-san-diego-1k3wv4s7cv43) — San Diego, CA - [Principal Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-mechanical-engineer-sarmal-inc-san-diego-rc7g03tfamk1) — San Diego, CA - [Principal Optical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-optical-engineer-sarmal-inc-san-diego-ecxpfer56wha) — San Diego, CA - [Senior Research Associate, Chemistry R&D](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-research-associate-chemistry-r-d-sarmal-inc-san-diego-rzr0zxhyqrbe) — San Diego, CA