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Principal Scientist (Associate Director), Reagent Product Development

San Diego, CA

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the product development of reagents and workflows for a Quantum-Si protein sequencing platform. This role owns the technical strategy, team execution, and cross-functional delivery of an integrated reagent system — multiple functional proteins, buffers, and additives — that must be co-optimized with the instrument's flow cell surface chemistry, optical detection, and thermal control subsystems. 

The successful candidate will manage a team of workstream owners to develop the sequencing reagent set, and will represent the reagent function on the cross-functional core team alongside leaders in Operations, Engineering, Systems Integration, and Marketing. This is a leadership role with substantial scientific, programmatic, and organizational impact. 

As part of our team, your core responsibilities will be: 

Scientific & Product Development Leadership 

  • Own end-to-end product development for an integrated reagent kit, including recognizer/binder mixes, conjugates, sequencing and wash buffers, quenchers, and supporting additives. 
  • Drive integrated optimization of multiple protein-based reagents and supporting chemistry to meet platform performance specifications in concert with flowcell surface chemistry, optics, and thermal control. 
  • Guide the team through the full Product Development Process (PDP): feasibility, design development, design verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing. 
  • Identify and mitigate technical risk early; lead complex root-cause investigations using DOE and advanced statistical analysis. 
  • Author and review key technical documentation, including product requirements documents, design verification protocols/reports, and tech transfer packages. 
  • Contribute to the multi-year reagent innovation roadmap across current and future platforms. 

Team Leadership 

  • Manage and develop teams responsible for distinct reagent classes (e.g., recognizer development, bioconjugation, buffer/additive optimization, assay and QC development). 
  • Set technical direction, prioritize across workstreams, allocate resources, remove barriers, and ensure accountability for milestone delivery. 
  • Mentor scientists and managers; build a culture of scientific and product development rigor, urgency, and cross-site collaboration. 

Cross-Functional Program Collaboration 

  • Serve as the reagent function's representative on the platform core team, partnering with leaders in Instrument Engineering, Systems Integration, Operations/Manufacturing, Quality, and Marketing to align reagent design with platform-level requirements and commercial goals. 
  • Translate platform-level performance targets into reagent design requirements and verification criteria. 
  • Drive the cross-functional schedule for reagent design lock, design verification testing, manufacturing transfer, and commercial launch readiness. 
  • Coordinate the transfer of new proteins and dyes from upstream component-development teams and their incorporation into reagent designs. 

Qualifications 

  • PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
  • 12+ years of relevant industry experience, including 8+ years in product development, with demonstrated leadership of reagent or assay development for a complex integrated product (instrument, consumable, and chemistry). 
  • Proven track record of successfully leading teams to launch one or more commercial products through a formal PDP, including design verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing and QC. 
  • Direct experience in developing protein-based reagents and/or sequencing chemistry. 
  • Demonstrated experience leading other leaders (managing managers or senior ICs running workstreams). 
  • Strong working understanding of how reagents interact with optical detection, fluidics, surface chemistry, and thermal control subsystems. 
  • Expertise in DOE, statistical analysis of large datasets, variation analysis, critical parameter management, and root-cause investigation. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; able to operate fluidly between bench-level technical discussion and executive-level program communication. 
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across scientific disciplines, functions, and organizational levels. 

Preferred 

  • Expertise in enzymatic kinetics and developing kinetic assays. 
  • Experience operating in a regulated environment (ISO 13485, FDA QSR). 
  • Multi-site team leadership experience. 

The estimated base salary range for this position in the United States is $175,000- $200,000. In addition to base salary, full-time employees are eligible to participate in Quantum-Si's discretionary annual bonus program and may receive equity awards as part of the total compensation package.

Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the position level, relevant skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, geographic location, internal equity, and market data.

Quantum-Si also offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employees' health, well-being, work-life balance, and family needs. Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, where applicable
  • Company-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to support personal and professional well-being
  • Discretionary paid time off and company-paid holidays
  • Parental leave to support employees welcoming and caring for a new child
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with both pre-tax and Roth contribution options

Additional Information

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Quantum-Si does not provide employment-based immigration sponsorship of any kind for this position, including support for applicants currently pursuing permanent residency (Green Card sponsorship).

Quantum-Si does not accept unsolicited agency resumes.

Quantum-Si is an E-Verify and equal opportunity employer regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or Veteran status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines

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