Senior Scientist or Engineer in Single-cell sequencing

We are a well-funded biotech startup that has developed a proprietary ultrafast screening platform that resolves a bottleneck for immunotherapy. We are currently looking for a scientist or engineer with experience in developing DNA/RNA sequencing chemistries and methods to join our interdisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have a biochemistry background and can work effectively with fluidic engineers to drive and shape how sequencing is done on our platform. The candidate will be expected to adapt quickly and communicate well, especially in a fast-paced startup environment. He/she will collaborate with other team members from different disciplines and be part of an exciting journey. We pay competitive salaries with bonus and equity, plus full benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401k match, commuter benefits and daily lunch.

Responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and execute single-cell sequencing assays, including mRNA capture, RT-PCR, PCR, and NGS library preparation
• Formulate and optimize reagent mixtures to enhance mRNA capture efficiency, cell viability, and signal-to-noise within droplets.
• Develop and refine in-droplet biochemical reactions, including cDNA synthesis, amplification, and cell activation assays.
• Design bead chemistry and barcoding strategies for different sequencing applications.
• Evaluate and mitigate cross-contamination through chemistry, workflow, and process optimization, including microfluidic chip optimization and assay design.
• Design assays and metrics to characterize sequencing quality, including cross-contamination rates, read depth and sequencing cost efficiency, and cell-type clustering and phenotype/genotype resolution.
• Innovate new sequencing chemistries to advance high-throughput single cell sequencing technologies (custom library design, custom chemistry/reagents)

Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering or related field with significant experience in developing sequencing chemistries
• Deep expertise in custom single-cell sequencing chemistry and assay development
• Familiarity with operating microfluidic devices and with droplet-based microfluidics
• Hands-on experience with droplet-based single cell sequencing workflows and NGS library preparation.
• Experience working with and designing barcoded beads and molecular barcoding strategies, including exposure to bead functionalization or surface chemistry optimization
• Experience with single-cell sequencing data analysis is a plus
• Comfortable with working in fast-moving, early-stage and platform-development environments.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation:

• $120,000 - $150,000 (depending on the depth of expertise) + 10% performance bonus + equity.

Benefits:

• 4% Salary 401K match; Daily lunches; Commuter Benefits; Unlimited snacks and drinks.
• Medical, Dental, Vision; 100% Premium Covered.
• Disability Insurance, Life Insurance; Workplace Insurance