---
title: 'Research Associate II – Molecular Assay Development at Sarmal Inc'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-molecular-assay-development-sarmal-inc-san-diego-hbbhc4nhw9xw'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Research Associate II – Molecular Assay Development at Sarmal Inc

- **Company:** Sarmal Inc
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Compensation:** $72k–$85k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/sarmal-inc/cb92e918-2b66-4bab-9948-3bc969740765

## 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 Research Associate II will support the development and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays for Sarmal's pathogen detection platform. This individual will execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays, prepare reagents and master mixes, perform fluorescence- and CE-based experiments, analyze experimental data, troubleshoot assay performance, and document results. Working closely with the Assay Development team, the successful candidate will contribute to assay optimization, experimental design, reagent qualification, and the transition of validated methods into standardized laboratory procedures.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoys hands-on laboratory work in a collaborative, fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.

## Key Responsibilities

- Execute surface-based nucleic acid detection assays using 96- and 384-well plate formats following established protocols.

- Prepare master mixes, serial dilutions, oligonucleotides, enzyme reagents, and working stocks with high accuracy and reproducibility.

- Perform fluorescence plate-based assays, capillary electrophoresis sample preparation, and routine instrument operation.

- Analyze experimental data, summarize results, and present findings to the Assay Development team.

- Assist in optimizing assay performance through systematic troubleshooting and experimental evaluation.

- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and SOP documentation.

- Support reagent inventory, laboratory organization, and routine laboratory operations.

- Contribute to assay verification, reproducibility studies, and technology transfer activities as needed.

## Qualifications

- Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology or biochemical assays, including 96- or 384-well plate-based workflows.

- Experience with nucleic acid hybridization assays, fluorescence-based detection methods, enzymatic reactions, or surface-based capture assays.

- Experience preparing master mixes, serial dilutions, reagent stocks, and low-volume liquid handling.

- Familiarity with fluorescence plate readers, capillary electrophoresis, or similar analytical instrumentation.

- Ability to analyze experimental data using Excel; experience with JMP or similar software is a plus.

- Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain high-quality experimental documentation.

- Ability to independently execute experiments while effectively collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

- Experience with automated liquid handling systems (Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Opentrons, or similar) is a plus.

- Experience working in a regulated diagnostics, biotechnology, or medical device environment is desirable.

Education

- B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

- B.S. with 2-4 years or M.S. with 1–2 years of relevant industry experience.

- Demonstrated hands-on experience performing molecular biology or assay development experiments in an industrial or translational research environment.

- Experience with nucleic acid hybridization, fluorescence-based assays, surface-based assay formats, or molecular diagnostics is strongly preferred.

- Experience supporting assay optimization, troubleshooting, or analytical method development is highly desirable.

## 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)

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