Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – NGS Methods Development and Cancer Genomics

Zymo Research Corporation • Irvine, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Zymo Research is seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to join its Epigenetics Technology group and develop molecular and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for investigating genetic variants, genomic abnormalities, DNA damage, and genome instability in cancer and other diseases. This hands-on role combines molecular biology, enzymology, sequencing library preparation, and experimental mapping of DNA damage and structure. The scientist will take methods from scientific hypotheses through feasibility testing, optimization, and analytical validation, working independently through technical uncertainty. Direct cancer research experience is required; experience in epigenetics is valuable but not required.

The scientist will validate methods with defined standards, reference materials, and model systems, and assess assay performance across sample quality and input levels. They will work with bioinformatics scientists to interpret sequencing data and integrate experimental and computational evidence. The role also contributes to invention disclosures, patent applications, peer-reviewed manuscripts, reproducible documentation, and scientific guidance and training for supporting researchers and interns.

Zymo Research provides research tools and products across DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, and yeast-based research. The company describes itself as a vibrant, growing workplace and states that it has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register and Top Workplace USA.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, or a related field.
• First-authored peer-reviewed publications demonstrating original scientific contributions.
• Direct research experience in cancer biology or cancer genomics, including cancer-associated mutations or genomic abnormalities and DNA damage, repair, or genome instability.
• Experience in probe-enrichment assays followed by NGS, such as exome sequencing.
• Hands-on NGS methods development experience, including library preparation design, optimization, troubleshooting, and quantitative performance evaluation.
• Strong molecular biology background, including DNA manipulation, primer and probe design, PCR and qPCR, adapter ligation, nucleic acid purification, and DNA and sequencing library quality control.
• Strong enzymology background, including practical experience developing biochemical assays, interpreting enzyme activity and substrate specificity, and optimizing reaction conditions and multi-enzyme workflows.
• Understanding of genetic variation, structural and copy-number abnormalities, DNA damage, and genome instability in disease, with an emphasis on cancer.
• Ability to distinguish biological variation from damage-related and sequencing artifacts.
• Ability to independently design rigorous experiments, analyze quantitative data, challenge assumptions, and adapt approaches when results do not support the initial hypothesis.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, including presenting novel methods, documenting results clearly, and contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts and patent-related technical documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with low-input cfDNA or damaged DNA such as FFPE, disease-relevant model systems, or clinical research specimens.
• Experience with error-controlled sequencing, targeted enrichment, digital PCR, enzyme characterization or engineering, or advanced sequencing approaches such as PacBio or Nanopore.
• Experience in epigenetics or DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation.
• Familiarity with sequencing data analysis using Bash or web-based Galaxy, statistics, R, or Python.
• 10 or more years of relevant postdoctoral or professional research experience in a related field, preferably cancer genomics, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute original methods development projects addressing disease-associated variants, genomic abnormalities, and genome integrity.
• Define testable hypotheses, controls, milestones, and criteria for continuing, revising, or stopping experimental approaches.
• Develop and troubleshoot NGS library preparation workflows and molecular assays.
• Optimize nucleic acid handling, enzymatic processing, adapter incorporation, amplification, and quality control to improve molecule recovery, accuracy, complexity, and reproducibility.
• Develop and evaluate experimental approaches for DNA damage and structure mapping, including R-loops and D-loops.
• Use appropriate controls and independent measurements to distinguish biological signals from changes caused by sample handling, extraction, storage, or library preparation.
• Characterize and optimize nucleic-acid-modifying enzymes, assessing activity, specificity, substrate dependence, kinetics, and reaction compatibility; collaborate with the protein team on enzyme selection and improvement.
• Validate methods using defined standards, reference materials, and model systems such as cancer cell lines.
• Assess sensitivity, specificity, precision, background error, and robustness across sample quality and input levels.
• Work with bioinformatics scientists to interpret sequencing data, assess variants, SNPs, DNA damage and structures, and mapping accuracy, and investigate sources of bias.
• Integrate experimental and computational evidence when refining assay performance.
• Maintain traceable records, communicate findings and technical risks, and document reproducible methods.
• Draft scientific manuscripts, prepare invention disclosures, and contribute experimental evidence and technical writing for patent applications.
• Provide scientific guidance and training to potential Research Associates and Interns, and contribute expertise to other projects.
• Balance exploratory research with feasibility decisions and practical development goals.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverages
• EAP sessions
• Vacation time plus company holidays
• Paid sick leave
• 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree