Sarmal→
Scientist- Reagent Development at Sarmal in San Diego, CA
Skills
Job Description
Company Overview
Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.
We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.
At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.
About the Job
The Reagent Development Scientist will lead formulation and optimization of diagnostic assay reagents used across Sarmal's molecular diagnostics assay workflows. This role requires extensive experience in reagent chemistry, assay optimization, stability studies, accelerated aging, shelf-life determination, and lyophilized reagent development. The successful candidate will work closely with assay development, quality, and engineering teams to translate research reagents into robust commercial products.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and optimize reagent formulations for molecular diagnostic assays.
- Develop stable reagent systems for PCR, isothermal amplification, and enzymatic reactions.
- Design and execute accelerated and real-time stability studies.
- Establish reagent shelf life using statistical analysis of stability data.
- Develop and optimize lyophilization cycles and reagent formulations for freeze-dried products.
- Evaluate stabilizers, excipients, cryoprotectants, and buffer systems to maximize reagent performance.
- Characterize reagent performance under varying environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, and shipping stress.
- Perform formulation optimization for enzymes, primers, probes, nucleotides, and other assay components.
- Design DOE (Design of Experiments) studies to optimize reagent composition and manufacturing robustness.
- Troubleshoot reagent performance issues observed during manufacturing or customer use.
- Maintain detailed experimental documentation and contribute to technical reports.
Qualifications
- Strong experience in diagnostic assay reagent development.
- Extensive experience developing reagents for molecular diagnostics or IVD products.
- Hands-on expertise in reagent formulation chemistry.
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing stability studies.
- Experience with accelerated aging protocols and shelf-life modeling.
- Expertise in lyophilization process development and optimization.
- Knowledge of formulation strategies for enzymes and biological reagents.
- Experience evaluating reagent stability under thermal, shipping, and environmental stress.
- Strong understanding of assay performance metrics including sensitivity, specificity, precision, and robustness.
- Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
- Experience transferring formulations into manufacturing.
- Knowledge of ISO 13485 and IVD development practices is highly desirable.
- Excellent experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Ph.D. with 3–5+ years or M.S. with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated experience developing commercial diagnostic assay reagents.
- Proven experience conducting reagent stability and shelf-life studies.
- Hands-on experience developing or optimizing lyophilized reagent formulations.
- Experience supporting transfer of reagent formulations into manufacturing.
- Experience with molecular diagnostics, PCR, qPCR, sequencing technologies is strongly preferred.
- Experience with FDA-regulated IVD products is a strong plus.
Benefits & Perks
Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Generous paid time off
- Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
- We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.
Why Join Sarmal
- Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
- Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
- Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
- Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
- Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company
Closing Statement
Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.