Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research
About The Position
Glyphic Biotechnologies is seeking a curious, hands-on Assay Research Scientist to establish novel assay workflows, define requirements for new components such as beads, surface chemistries, and sample preparation approaches, and develop proxy assays that predict multi-cycle protein sequencing by expansion (ProSE) performance. Reporting to the Director of Assay Development, this scientist will work at the interface of molecular biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and automation, partnering closely with the Chemistry and Integration teams. The role calls for connecting assay outcomes to the physical and chemical mechanisms behind them and translating those insights into clear component requirements. The scientist will help shape the evolution of Glyphic’s ProSE platform by replacing slow empirical testing with predictive, mechanistically grounded assays. The position is full-time, exempt, and in person at the company’s Berkeley, California location. The role offers a collaborative work environment, direct impact on product development and company direction, access to advanced life-science technology, and opportunities to contribute to patents and publications and to grow as the organization scales.
Requirements
- Post-graduate experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Staff Scientist qualifications: BS/MS/PhD with 10+/8+/6+ years of experience, respectively; Senior Scientist qualifications: BS/MS/PhD with 8+/6+/4+ years, respectively.
- Track record of establishing novel workflows for highly sensitive molecular assays, such as PCR-free sequencing or single-cell assays, with clear evidence of ownership and innovation.
- Hands-on experience defining the required functions of new components, such as beads, oligos, chemical handles, surface properties, or molecular biology reagents, and translating assay results into specifications that guide component selection or design.
- Demonstrated ability to design simple, mechanistically defined test systems that stand in for full-length experiments and identify which variable is responsible for performance changes.
- Comprehensive understanding of molecular biology tools used for high-sensitivity applications.
- Strong foundation in nucleic acid and peptide chemistry, including identifying common sources of damage such as oxidation, depurination, and hydrolysis, and methods to avoid or mitigate these effects.
- Fluency in multimodal characterization, such as fluorescence, flow cytometry, zeta potential, and bead or surface metrology, and ability to link physical measurements to assay performance.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with nanopore or other single-molecule detection platforms and their input-material requirements.
- Experience with statistical analysis of mixed-effects and replicated data, and establishing quantitative agreement between proxy measurements and real data.
- Experience with LC-MS and HPLC for biomolecule characterization.
- Experience with bead-based automation on instruments such as KingFisher or Hamilton.
- Familiarity with accelerated or repeated-exposure stability testing.
- Familiarity with emerging trends and techniques in proteomic measurements.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute experiments to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of Glyphic’s ProSE process.
- Establish novel assay workflows and determine requirements for new components needed to support them.
- Develop proxy assays that isolate workflow and component variables, accelerate integrated solutions, and predict multi-cycle performance without a full end-to-end run.
- Propose, design, and test analytical approaches to optimize and build predictive understanding of critical ProSE components, including sample preparation, molecular expansion chemistry, automation, and their integration into a robust end-to-end assay.
- Correlate assay findings to physical system characteristics using multimodal characterization, and connect assay outcomes and mechanistic understanding to new component requirements.
- Identify, communicate, and help address experimental risks or resource gaps, such as reagent supply or instrument issues.
- Partner with Assay Development peers to deliver team goals and prioritize experiments.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers on the Chemistry, Assay Integration, Automation, and Bioinformatics teams to define shared requirements and contribute to cross-functional projects.
- Collect, manage, and analyze data from molecular biology and protein sequencing experiments.
- Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook in Confluence.
- Communicate and present results in a timely manner.
Benefits
- Employee Stock Option Plan
- 100% health plan coverage for employees and dependents, including medical, dental, and vision
- Employer retirement contributions to 401(k)
- Generous paid time off
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
- Health and wellbeing program
- Office snacks and beverages
- Regular team bonding activities
- Collaborative culture where ideas and expertise are valued and innovative thinking is encouraged
- Direct impact on product development and company direction
- Access to cutting-edge technology in a top-tier life-science facility
- Opportunity to contribute to patents and publications
- Opportunities for advancement and expanded responsibilities as the organization scales
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
