Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D

Pacific Biosciences • Menlo Park, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or Scientist II, level commensurate with experience, to join the Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group as a versatile bench scientist supporting multiple research programs. The team explores enzymes, reaction chemistries, and molecular workflows for third-generation sequencing, testing ideas that may progress from research into product development. The role involves hands-on biochemistry and molecular biology, collaboration across teams, and contributing to research programs with ownership and rigor.

The scientist may work across protein expression and purification, HiFi sequencing library preparation, sequencing chemistry experiments, and targeted enrichment workflows. Success requires quickly mastering established protocols, switching between workflows as priorities change, and maintaining precision, quality, and reproducibility. Candidates from academic research are encouraged to apply.

Scientist II employees are expected to work across workflows with greater independence, troubleshoot and optimize protocols, and help train Research Associates. Non-Field Based Employees are required to work onsite Monday through Thursday, with Friday work from home; some roles may require 100% onsite work. Travel to PacBio locations may be required when considered necessary for proper performance of the duties.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Scientist I: recent PhD, which may include a postdoctoral position; 0–2 years of experience.
• Scientist II: 2 or more years of relevant postdoctoral or post-PhD industry experience.
• Strong hands-on bench skills in molecular biology and biochemistry, with a record of reliably executing complex, multi-step protocols.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience with NGS library preparation or comparable multi-step molecular workflows.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid and protein QC methods.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments in parallel as priorities shift.
• Collaborative and coachable, with willingness to seek and apply feedback.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Current authorization to work in the United States without present or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with long-read sequencing, including PacBio HiFi or Oxford Nanopore, or CRISPR-based targeted sequencing workflows.
• Computational skills, such as data analysis in Python or R.
• Protein structure visualization experience with tools such as Chimera or PyMOL.
• Laboratory database management or LIMS experience.
• Experience with lab automation or liquid-handling platforms.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression and purification protocols, including FPLC-based and plate-based high-throughput preparations, in partnership with the protein purification lead.
• Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.
• Execute targeted enrichment workflows using PacBio protocols, including testing new guide RNA designs.
• Learn new protocols quickly and move between projects and workflows as priorities change while maintaining quality and reproducibility.
• Perform nucleic acid and protein QC using methods such as Qubit, Femto Pulse or Bioanalyzer, and SDS-PAGE, and evaluate results against defined performance metrics.
• Analyze and present data in team meetings and written reports.
• Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records and contribute to protocol troubleshooting and improvement.
• Collaborate with scientists across Biochemistry and Reagents R&D, Bioinformatics, and Product Development.
• At Scientist II level, execute across workflows with greater independence, troubleshoot and optimize protocols, and help train Research Associates.

What This Job Offers

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