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Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry

San Diego - Headquarters

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our NGS team and contribute to the development of innovative new products. You will be responsible for leading research efforts to identify and develop novel solutions that address unmet needs in the field of next-generation sequencing, driving scientific discovery and advancing our company's position in the market. This role will report to our Associate Director, Surface Chemistry and will be a San Diego based role.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Investigate and create innovative surface chemistry solutions that can enable the development of novel next-generation sequencing applications
  • Spearhead product development efforts, encompassing ideation, prototyping, functional testing
  • Provide guidance and support for the transfer of innovative surface designs from research and development into the product development and manufacturing processes
  • Proactively identify and develop new product ideas that have the potential to create or capture emerging markets and applications, working closely with product management and colleagues to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise
  • Provide support in identifying and resolving experimental challenges related to assay design, protocol execution, and reagent selection and use
  • Assist the IP legal team in the process of identifying and developing new patent applications, providing technical expertise and collaborating to ensure that the applications are aligned with business objectives and meet the necessary legal standards
  • Develop and deliver high-quality reports and presentations that effectively summarize research findings, highlight key takeaways, and support decision-making

Education and Experience:

  • PhD degree in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or similar fields with 4+ years of industry experience is preferred
  • Demonstrated contribution to the field through research, intellectual property, and product development
  • Strong grasp of the fundamental principles governing the interactions between biomolecules and solid surfaces
  • Comprehensive background in the theoretical and practical aspects of surface and polymer chemistry, with a proven ability to apply this knowledge to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions
  • Deep understanding of the underlying technology associated with assigned products and the ability to communicate this knowledge effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering collaboration and driving successful product development and implementation
  • Working familiarity with the principles and techniques involved in bioconjugation, such as crosslinking, conjugation, and labeling, combined with a basic understanding of molecular biology concepts, including DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function
  • Working knowledge of surface analytical techniques such as AFM, Ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM, TOF-SIMS and XPS
  • Creative and independent thinker; excellent written, presentation and communication skills; team player; ability to multitask and work independently; and ability to find creative solutions to problems are required

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds
  • The position requires physical activity and the handling of chemicals. Candidates are required to follow the safety protocols and be familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the laboratory environment

Location:

  • San Diego - On-Site

Travel: 

  • Up to 10% or as needed

Job Type:

  • Full-time, Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range:

  • $125,000 - $165,000



 

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. 

 

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience. 

 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

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