Staff Scientist, Surface Chemistry

The role

This person will provide scientific leadership in developing innovative products for next-generation sequencing and multiomics applications. They will lead execution across multiple projects and collaborate across functions to translate research into manufacturable products.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and evaluate novel surface chemistry approaches
• Design and evaluate novel surface chemistry solutions on microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices
• Define and lead product development efforts including experimental design, prototyping, functional testing, and data analysis
• Troubleshoot performance issues related to surface fouling, non-specific binding, or cell compatibility
• Identify and resolve experimental challenges related to assay design, protocol execution, reagent selection, and surface performance
• Support the transfer of surface chemistry solutions from research into product development and manufacturing
• Maintain hands-on scientific leadership and mentor junior scientists
• Contribute innovative ideas and technical insight to early-stage concept development
• Contribute technical expertise to invention disclosures and patent applications
• Collaborate with product management, assay development, engineering, and manufacturing

Required qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or a related field
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience in surface chemistry, materials science, or biomolecular interfaces in life sciences or diagnostics
• Strong publication and presentation record, with contributions to patents or novel methods
• Deep expertise in surface chemistry, polymer chemistry and biomolecule–surface interactions
• Background in NGS, genomics, proteomics or multiomics platforms
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to follow safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE) in a laboratory environment

Nice to have

• Experience with device fabrication (e.g., soft lithography, PDMS) or working with commercial lab-on-chip platforms
• Familiarity with surface analytical techniques such as AFM, ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM, TOF-SIMS, and XPS
• Familiarity with manufacturing constraints, process transfer or scale-up

Benefits

• Stock options
• Discretionary annual bonus
• No cost health insurance plans
• 401k with company match
• Flexible paid time off

About the company

Element Biosciences is a product-driven organization committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. Their mission is to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate impact on humanity.