Analytical Assay Development Scientist
$100,000–$130,000 year
On-siteVacaville, California, United States
Job Summary
Develop, optimize, and validate quantitative analytical assays to evaluate microbial strain status and product quality throughout cultivation, fermentation, drying, formulation, storage, and field application. Characterize precision, accuracy, and scalability for quantifying live microbial titer using qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, sequencing, and plate-count methods. Lead sample-preparation efforts and oversee colonization and persistence assays to assess microbial dynamics in the rhizosphere and plant tissues. Coordinate with CROs and collaborators to ensure rigorous execution, while implementing sample tracking solutions and guiding Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) development. Collaborate with bioinformatics, manufacturing, and field science teams to deliver data-driven recommendations on production methods and shelf life. Mentor junior scientists and research associates as the team grows.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience developing and optimizing quantitative assays for microbial-based processes and/or products
- Extensive experience developing and operationalizing microbial assays, including optimization of assay signal-to-noise ratio, accuracy, and precision
- Demonstrated ability to use DNA-based and other methods to quantify microbial abundance, physiological state, distribution, and activity
- Familiarity with microbiome science, microbial physiology and life cycles (including sporulation), fermentation/cultivation, and/or agricultural yield drivers
- Track record of designing and executing high-quality assay development plans, including experience with nucleic acid-based microbe detection and measurement approaches
- Strong capabilities analyzing large, complex datasets using statistical methods to generate actionable, strategic recommendations
- Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and translate outside innovations into in-house capabilities
- Effective communicator of technical and organizational topics with colleagues across multiple disciplines; strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Proficiency with LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling), statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., R, Spotfire, Tableau, JMP), and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira)
- Location: Vacaville, CA, 5 days a week
Desired Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience developing assays for microbe-based products in a corporate R&D environment
- Prior experience with mentorship, technical leadership, or people management
- Experience vetting and managing CROs
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches to optimizing quantitative analytical assay methods, including sample preparation protocols
- Experience using SQL queries and relational databases
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