Research Associate – Probes Enrichment and DNA Methylation

Zymo Research Corporation•Irvine, CA

15h•$64,480 - $72,384•Onsite

About The Position

Zymo Research is seeking a Research Associate to join its Epigenetics Technology group and support next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay development for DNA methylation and cancer research, including probe enrichment and library preparation for methylation and genetic variant analysis. Working with project scientists, the associate will apply molecular biology and enzymatic techniques to feasibility studies, optimization, and validation using cell-free DNA (cfDNA), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue DNA, and reference materials. The role involves executing and optimizing probe enrichment and NGS library preparation workflows; performing PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, and other quantitative assays; conducting enzyme-based experiments; and processing low-input samples with careful tracking and contamination control. The associate will maintain laboratory records, summarize results, support troubleshooting and experimental planning, help update SOPs, and manage reagents and inventory. There are no formal supervisory responsibilities, though the associate may train colleagues on established procedures once proficient.

Requirements

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, or a related field, with relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Demonstrated experience performing NGS library preparation and probe-based target enrichment assays, including routine optimization, quality control, and troubleshooting.
Ability to execute multi-step protocols accurately, organize experiments, and maintain traceable laboratory records.
Strong practical molecular biology skills, including DNA/RNA handling, accurate pipetting, PCR and qPCR, enzymatic reactions, purification, and DNA and library quality control.
Working knowledge of enzymology and how enzyme concentration, substrate quality, incubation conditions, titrations, and buffer composition affect assay performance.
Ability to perform and troubleshoot probe-based target enrichment workflows and understand how hybridization conditions, washing, and amplification affect recovery and specificity.
Ability to analyze experimental results using spreadsheets and basic statistics, summarize data clearly, and communicate with scientists and bioinformatics colleagues.
Attention to detail, reliable sample and reagent management, good laboratory practices, and ability to manage several experiments and priorities with appropriate guidance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with DNA methylation assays, bisulfite/enzymatic conversion chemistry, cancer research, low-input cfDNA or FFPE samples, and exome capture.
Experience with digital PCR, UMI-based libraries, automated liquid handling, or assay transfer into routine workflows.
Experience supporting NGS methods development, evaluating enzyme performance, or interpreting sequencing quality metrics such as on-target fraction, coverage, duplication, and conversion efficiency.

Responsibilities

Execute planned experiments for probe enrichment, DNA methylation, and cancer assay development, including variants/SNPs; prepare reagents and controls and contribute to experimental planning and troubleshooting with project scientists.
Perform and optimize probe enrichment assays, including hybridization, capture, washing, recovery, and amplification; assess enrichment efficiency, specificity, reproducibility, and recovery.
Prepare NGS libraries using enzymatic processing, adapter incorporation, amplification, and purification; measure DNA concentration, fragment size, and library yield; investigate artifacts and failed reactions.
Perform end point PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, and other quantitative assays to assess DNA quality, enrichment, conversion, and recovery; support primer and probe evaluation.
Conduct enzyme-based experiments using polymerases, ligases, nucleases, and other nucleic acid-modifying enzymes; systematically vary conditions and record results to support optimization.
Process low-input samples with careful tracking and contamination control; support validation using methylation and variant/SNP standards, defined mixtures, and appropriate cancer and non-cancer specimens.
Maintain complete laboratory records, summarize results, and flag unexpected findings.
Help update SOPs, manage reagents and inventory, and contribute to other projects requiring relevant skills.
May help train colleagues on established procedures once proficient.