Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – Infectious Disease Assay Development

Zymo Research Corporation • Irvine, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research, you will develop innovative infectious disease molecular assays from concept to completion, advancing Zymo’s infectious disease product portfolio. You will conceptualize, design, perform, and optimize laboratory experiments supporting PCR- and NGS-based assay development, and contribute to related activities such as business development, marketing, product development, and networking, as needed. As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research, you will lead and/or collaborate with a talented, multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers developing tools that shape the biomedical industry, innovating, developing, and delivering PCR- and NGS-based infectious disease assays from early development through real-world application. As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, you will contribute to Zymo’s strategic planning and be encouraged to explore new ideas as we navigate this highly competitive field. Zymo Research offers tremendous room for growth as we continue to explore new directions and expand. Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, microbiology, or a related field, with at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Strong background in molecular biology, with hands-on experience designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting PCR-based assays, including primer/probe design.
• Candidate should have good knowledge of both basic and the latest nucleic acid analysis methodologies, including PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, and NGS.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams; open, customer-focused communication style.
• Highly flexible and results-oriented, able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• NGS-based assay development and data analysis experience is a plus.
• Experience in infectious disease, virology, microbiomics, or microbiology preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and NGS data analysis pipelines is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot experiments supporting infectious disease assay development.
• Design and optimize PCR primers/probes and NGS-based workflows for sensitive, specific detection of infectious agents.
• Develop, optimize, and validate assays and workflows end-to-end, including sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in infectious disease diagnostics to inform assay design and troubleshooting.
• Effectively communicate results, contribute original ideas, and help plan future project directions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, marketing, commercialization, and business development, to advance projects and support technology transfer.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with outside scientists and key opinion leaders relevant to projects.
• Maintain accurate, complete documentation of experiments and results in compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards.
• Author technical reports, white papers, scientific publications, and conference presentations to communicate findings internally and externally.
• Train and mentor junior employees.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Generous 401(K) with matching
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
• Complimentary EV Charging
• Cell phone stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree