--- title: 'Senior Research Associate, Chemistry R&D at Sarmal Inc' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-research-associate-chemistry-r-d-sarmal-inc-san-diego-rzr0zxhyqrbe' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-03' --- # Senior Research Associate, Chemistry R&D 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:** 2026-11-03 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/sarmal-inc/97d982af-3c35-4e4e-a3c3-37fe2a18fce0 ## 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 Chemistry R&D Senior Research Associate will execute the synthesis, purification, characterization, and QC analysis of novel modified nucleoside/nucleotide motifs that are needed for broader R&D efforts within the organization. This role requires hands-on experience in an industrial organic chemistry lab setting, and the chemist should be comfortable working with sensitive compounds and complex purification and QC analysis techniques. This chemist will contribute to development of crucial upstream materials that will pillar the core technology at Sarmal. ## Key Responsibilities - Synthesize modified nucleosides/nucleotides using a variety of synthesis techniques. - Purify reaction products using preparative HPLC, flash chromatography, and other appropriate purification methods. - Characterize compounds using analytical techniques including LC-MS, NMR, IR, UV/Vis, TLC, and related methods. - Optimize reaction conditions and develop analytical methods to produce high-quality compounds that meet project requirements. - Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and manage inventory of synthesized compounds and related materials. - Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation. - Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings at project and departmental meetings. ## Qualifications - Strong understanding of modern organic chemistry techniques in literature and in laboratory. - Hands-on experience organic chemistry synthesis techniques including air- and moisture-sensitive reactions using Schlenk techniques and inert atmosphere conditions. - Proficiency in operating analytical instrumentation such as HPLC and LC-MS with the ability to interpret results from data acquisition. - Strong analytical chemistry skills using LC-MS, NMR, IR, UV/Vis, TLC, and related techniques. - Experience in chemoenzymatic reactions is a plus. - Strong documentation and scientific communication skills. - Strong sense of teamwork, flexibility, and enthusiasm for advancing new technologies. Education - B.S. or M.S. in organic chemistry, nucleotide/nucleic acid chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, or related discipline. - 5–8 years post-B.S. or 2-4 years post-M.S. of relevant industry experience in organic chemistry, nucleic acid chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields. ## 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 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