---
title: 'Research Associate II/Sr. Research Associate – Surface Chemistry at Sarmal Inc'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-sr-research-associate-surface-chemistry-sarmal-inc-san-zrtn391dvv6f'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Research Associate II/Sr. Research Associate – Surface Chemistry at Sarmal Inc

- **Company:** Sarmal Inc
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Compensation:** $72k–$85k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-11-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/sarmal-inc/a2310de7-7ea0-42b5-8b2d-bc15873d42f9

## 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

Sarmal is seeking a RA2/Senior RA to support production-oriented execution of surface functionalization processes for a biosensor device platform. This is primarily a hands-on execution role for someone with real industry lab experience — running batch processes against documented procedures largely independently, generating consistent and well-documented results, and supporting the team's pilot-scale/production ramp. Strong execution and reliability in the first phase may open the door to broader involvement in experimental/research support work as the program progresses. Not looking for entry-level/new-grad candidates.

## Key Responsibilities

- Execute surface functionalization batch runs (SAM, silane, hydrogel, brush polymer chemistries) per written SOPs/batch records, working independently after initial onboarding.

- Independently operate the team's core surface characterization methods — fluorescence-based uniformity assays, contact angle, and EIS/CV — for routine batch and process characterization.

- Summarize characterization results (thickness, density, uniformity, charge) and flag trends relevant to assay performance (signal, specificity, non-specific binding) for scientist review.

- Support development of nucleotide-based assay consumables and other biofunctionalized surface work (e.g., oligonucleotide/probe immobilization, hybridization assays, bioconjugation in microarray/biointerface contexts).

- Assist with surface deposition/patterning process runs (spin-coating, dip-coating, spray-coating, plasma treatment/activation; exposure to PE-CVD/CVD or photolithographic patterning a plus).

- Execute DOE test plans designed by scientists, applying basic statistical analysis (ANOVA, regression, or similar) to interpret and summarize results; input into test design as experience builds.

- Log data accurately and promptly in lab notebooks/ELN; flag and help investigate deviations from expected process parameters.

- Maintain organized inventory of chemistry consumables and reagents used in daily runs.

- Maintain cleanroom/lab space per site protocols.

- Work collaboratively with in-house scientists; expected to troubleshoot routine issues independently and escalate non-routine ones.

## Qualifications

- Hands-on experience working with interfacial materials (2D surface, microarray, flow cell, nanoparticle, membranes, etc.) and executing relevant analytical methods e.g. fluorescence-based uniformity assays, goniometry, etc.

- Familiarity with nucleotide-based assay chemistries or other biofunctionalized surfaces (e.g., oligonucleotide/probe immobilization, hybridization assays, bioconjugation in microarray/biointerface contexts).

- Demonstrated track record of independent, precise batch/production execution within a structured process or manufacturing pipeline.

- Working knowledge of DOE fundamentals and basic statistical analysis, sufficient to execute and interpret a senior-designed test plan.

- Comfort with structured documentation (batch records, ELN, GDP-style recordkeeping).

Education B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, bioengineering, or related field, or equivalent industry experience + 2–4 years of hands-on industry lab experience with surface chemistry, thin-film deposition, or related wet-chemistry processes

## 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 I/II – Microbiology & Molecular Biology](https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-i-ii-microbiology-molecular-biology-sarmal-inc-san-diego-7q3drhjess63) — 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