Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D
About The Position
PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or Scientist II, with level commensurate with experience, to join its Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group as a versatile bench scientist supporting multiple research programs. The group explores enzymes, reaction chemistries, and molecular workflows for third-generation sequencing, testing concepts that may progress into product development and use on PacBio sequencers. Its work includes HiFi library preparation, targeted enrichment of complex loci, and native detection of DNA modifications. The scientist will carry out a variety of established workflows, which may include protein purification, HiFi sequencing library preparation, sequencing chemistry experiments, and targeted enrichment. Success requires quickly learning protocols, switching between projects as priorities change, and maintaining precision, quality, and reproducibility. The role suits a hands-on biochemist or molecular biologist who welcomes coaching and contributes collaboratively across projects. Candidates coming directly from academic research are encouraged to apply. Non-field-based employees are required onsite Monday through Thursday, with Friday work from home. Depending on the role, some employees may be required to work onsite 100% of the time. The position may also require visits to PacBio locations as necessary for proper performance of duties. Current authorization to work in the United States without present or future sponsorship is required.
Requirements
- PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- For Scientist I: recent PhD, which may include a postdoctoral appointment, with a stated minimum of 0–2 years of experience.
- For 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 quality-control methods.
- Ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments in parallel as priorities shift.
- Collaborative and coachable, with a willingness to seek out and apply feedback.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with long-read sequencing, such as 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 using 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 group's protein purification lead.
- Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.
- Execute targeted enrichment workflows following 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 quality control on nucleic acids and proteins 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
