Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – Molecular Assay Development and Epigenetics

Zymo Research Corporation • Irvine, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Zymo Research is seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to join its Epigenetics Technology team and develop molecular assays for epigenetics and biomarker research. The role connects marker evaluation with practical assay development and quantitative validation to translate research findings into robust, scalable research tools. It combines hands-on molecular biology and epigenetics with quantitative data analysis. The scientist will own experimental development and validation and collaborate closely with bioinformatics and product development teams to establish reliable assay performance.

The scientist will identify and evaluate candidate 5-methylcytosine markers, establish reference materials and sample panels, and develop targeted DNA methylation assays. They will work with bioinformatics colleagues to benchmark quantitative analysis workflows and validate assay performance using independent sample sets, standards, and dilution series. The position also involves establishing quality controls, documenting experiments and decisions, and preparing SOPs, validation reports, and technical transfer packages.

The scientist will collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product, and marketing teams, and may contribute to publications and invention disclosures. They will also provide day-to-day scientific guidance, training, and experimental support to Research Associates and Interns assigned to the work. This is an onsite position at Zymo Research headquarters in Irvine, California.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, epigenetics, genetics, genomics, or a related field.
• Substantial hands-on molecular biology research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with DNA methylation profiling or assay development, such as bisulfite or enzymatic conversion, methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, methylation arrays, or sequencing.
• Experience with biomarker evaluation, quantitative assay validation, statistical analysis, or comparison of analytical methods.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting PCR or qPCR/ddPCR assays, handling DNA quality control, and planning controlled quantitative experiments.
• First-authored publications demonstrating original scientific contributions.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with low-input biological samples such as cfDNA, reference materials, and independent methods for confirming assay performance.
• Experience designing and optimizing primers and probes for DNA methylation assays, including specificity, amplification efficiency, and compatibility with multiplex qPCR, digital PCR, or targeted sequencing.
• Experience designing and optimizing hybridization capture probes and enrichment workflows, with attention to recovery, specificity, and coverage uniformity for targeted sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute experimental plans, including milestones, controls, acceptance criteria, resource needs, and technical risks, in coordination with the team leader.
• Provide regular progress updates and identify bottlenecks requiring cross-team support.
• Identify and prioritize candidate 5-methylcytosine molecular markers using published datasets and internally generated data.
• Evaluate marker specificity, biological variability, technical robustness, and compatibility with targeted assays.
• Establish and characterize reference materials, controls, and sample panels for assay development; document their quality, provenance, and suitability for analytical performance evaluation.
• Develop and optimize targeted DNA methylation assays, including methylation-sensitive qPCR or digital PCR and targeted sequencing as appropriate.
• Design primers and probes, assess multiplexing, and optimize DNA extraction, conversion or enzymatic treatment, and detection.
• Work with bioinformatics colleagues to develop and benchmark quantitative analysis workflows.
• Evaluate agreement between assay measurements and reference values, investigate bias, and define the validated reporting range.
• Validate assay performance using independent sample sets, reference standards, and dilution series; assess accuracy, agreement, precision, analytical sensitivity, and reproducibility.
• Evaluate DNA input requirements, sample handling and storage, extraction bias, conversion efficiency, amplification bias, batch effects, and relevant donor- or disease-related 5-methylcytosine variability.
• Establish quality controls and systematically investigate assay failures.
• Document experiments, analysis methods, and decisions in traceable records.
• Prepare SOPs, validation reports, and technical transfer packages.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product, and marketing teams, and contribute to publications and invention disclosures as appropriate.
• Provide day-to-day scientific guidance, training, and experimental support to potential Research Associates and Interns assigned to the work.
• Contribute to other projects requiring relevant scientific and technical skills.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree