Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Biochemistry – NGS Assay Development at Sarmal Inc (San Diego, CA)Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Biochemistry – NGS Assay Development

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.

The Scientist/ Sr. Scientist will develop and optimize biochemistry for Sarmal's NGS platform. Responsibilities include sequencing assay development, flow cell biochemistry, surface-attached oligonucleotide reactions, sequencing reagent optimization, optical detection, and assay characterization.

The scientist will design experiments to improve sequencing performance, optimize reagent formulations, characterize assay robustness, and evaluate analytical performance using integrated sequencing instrumentation. Working collaboratively with engineering, optics, software, manufacturing, and systems teams, the individual will help translate research concepts into commercial sequencing products.

Ideal candidates possess two years or more of hands-on experience with existing NGS technologies, or similar surface-based sequencing technologies, including development of sequencing reagents, flow cells, fluorescence assays, or integrated genomic instrumentation.

- Design, develop, and optimize NGS sequencing assays and biochemical workflows.

- Develop and optimize sequencing reagent formulations including enzymes, buffers, nucleotides, oligos, and fluorescent/luminescent reagents.

- Design experiments involving surface-attached oligonucleotides and flow cell chemistry.

- Optimize sequencing reactions and fluorescence/luminescence signal generation.

- Characterize sequencing performance including read quality, signal intensity, phasing/pre-phasing, background, and error rates.

- Develop and optimize flow cell assays and surface chemistry.

- Evaluate reagent stability and sequencing consumable performance.

- Support integrated instrument testing with engineering and systems teams.

- Collaborate with optics, software, microfluidics, and hardware engineers during product development.

- Analyze sequencing datasets to identify assay performance improvements.

- Strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, or nucleic acid chemistry.

- Hands-on experience developing biochemical or molecular assays.

- Two years or more of relevant experience with next-generation sequencing assay development or sequencing chemistry.

- Experience working with flow cells, surface-attached oligonucleotides, or solid-phase biochemical reactions.

- Experience with fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays, fluorescent dyes, or optical detection systems.

- Experience developing or optimizing sequencing reagents and consumables.

- Understanding of hybridization kinetics, enzymology, polymerase-based reactions, and nucleic acid surface chemistry.

- Experience working with integrated laboratory or diagnostic instrumentation.

- Strong experimental design, statistical analysis, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills.

Education & Experience

- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 1–3 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 3–5+ years of relevant industry experience.

- Demonstrated experience developing biochemical assays, sequencing assays, or molecular biology workflows.

- Experience with flow cell technologies, fluorescence detection, surface chemistry, reagent development, or sequencing consumables is highly desirable.

- Experience supporting product development from feasibility through verification and commercialization is preferred.

- Experience working in multidisciplinary product development teams is preferred.

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.

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.