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

Zymo Research Corporation • Irvine, CA

16h • $85,000 - $100,000 • 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 research role combines molecular biology and enzymology with sequencing library preparation and experimental DNA damage and structure mapping.

The scientist will lead high-risk, high-reward methods development, progressing from scientific hypotheses through feasibility testing, optimization, and analytical validation. The role calls for direct cancer research experience and independent work through technical uncertainty. The scientist will contribute to invention disclosures, patent applications, and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Epigenetics experience is valuable but not required.

The position is onsite at Zymo Research headquarters in Irvine, California. The estimated annual base compensation range is $85,000–$100,000. Zymo Research describes itself as a provider of research tools and products serving the scientific community since 1994.

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, with 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, particularly cancer, and 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.
• Creativity, scientific rigor, sound judgment, persistence through uncertainty, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

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+ years of relevant post-doctoral 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 an approach.
• Develop and troubleshoot NGS library preparation workflows and molecular assays, optimizing nucleic acid handling, enzymatic processing, adapter incorporation, amplification, and quality control.
• Develop and evaluate approaches for mapping DNA damage and structures, including R-loops and D-loops, and distinguish biological signals from changes introduced during sample handling, extraction, storage, or library preparation.
• Characterize and optimize nucleic-acid-modifying enzymes by 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, investigate sources of bias, and integrate experimental and computational evidence to refine assay performance.
• Maintain traceable records, communicate findings and technical risks, and document reproducible methods.
• Draft scientific manuscripts and invention disclosures, and contribute experimental evidence and technical writing for patent applications with relevant teams.
• 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