Job Summary: Zymo Research is seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to join the Epigenetics Technology team and develop molecular assays for epigenetics and biomarker research. The scientist will connect marker evaluation with practical assay development and quantitative validation, helping translate research findings into robust, scalable research tools.
This hands-on role combines molecular biology and epigenetics with quantitative data analysis. The scientist will own experimental development and validation and work closely with bioinformatics and product development teams to establish reliable assay performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Develop and execute the experimental plan, defining milestones, controls, acceptance criteria, resource needs, and technical risks with the team leader. Provide regular progress updates and identify bottlenecks requiring cross-team support.
- Identify and prioritize candidate 5-methylcytosine molecular markers using published datasets and internally generated data. Evaluate specificity, biological variability, technical robustness, and compatibility with targeted assays.
- Establish and characterize reference materials, controls, and sample panels for assay development. Document material quality, provenance, and suitability for evaluating analytical performance.
- Develop and optimize targeted DNA methylation assays, including methylation-sensitive qPCR or digital PCR and targeted sequencing as appropriate to the selected workflow. Design primers and probes, assess multiplexing, and optimize DNA extraction, conversion or enzymatic treatment, and detection.
- Contribute to other projects requiring relevant scientific and technical skills.
Assay Validation and Product Development - Work with bioinformatics colleagues to develop and benchmark quantitative analysis workflows. Evaluate agreement between assay measurements and reference values, investigate sources of bias, and define the validated reporting range.
- Validate performance using independent sample sets, reference standards, and dilution series. Separate assay development from validation and assess accuracy, agreement, precision, analytical sensitivity, and reproducibility.
- Evaluate DNA input requirements, sample handling and storage, extraction bias, conversion efficiency, amplification bias, batch effects, and relevant donor or disease-related 5-methylcytosine variability. Establish quality controls and investigate assay failures systematically.
- Document experiments, analysis methods, and decisions in traceable records. Prepare SOPs, validation reports, and technical transfer packages; collaborate with manufacturing, quality, product, and marketing teams and contribute to publications and invention disclosures as appropriate.
Supervisory Responsibilities and Core Competencies - Provide day-to-day scientific guidance, training, and experimental support to potential Research Associates and Interns assigned to the work.
- Scientific objectivity; rigorous experimental design; quantitative problem-solving; independent execution; project ownership; clear documentation and communication; collaborative teamwork; and attention to customer needs and practical product performance.
Education and Experience: - Ph.D. in molecular biology, epigenetics, genetics, genomics or a related field, with substantial hands-on molecular biology research experience.
- Demonstrated experience with DNA methylation profiling or assay development such as bisulfite or enzymatic conversion, methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, methylation arrays, or sequencing.
- Experience with biomarker evaluation, quantitative assay validation, statistical analysis, or comparison of analytical methods.
- Experience designing and troubleshooting PCR or qPCR/ddPCR assays, handling DNA quality control, and planning controlled quantitative experiments.
- First-authored publications demonstrating original scientific contributions, with strong scientific writing and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with low-input biological samples (cfDNA), reference materials, and independent methods for confirming assay performance.
- Experience designing and optimizing primers and probes for DNA methylation assays, ensuring specificity, amplification efficiency, and compatibility with multiplex qPCR, digital PCR, or targeted sequencing.
- Experience designing and optimizing hybridization capture probes and enrichment workflows, with attention to recovery, specificity, and coverage uniformity for targeted sequencing.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks: The estimated base compensation range for this position is $85,000-100,000 annually at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.
Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
- EAP Sessions
- Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
- Generous 401(K) with matching
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
- Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
- Complimentary EV Charging
- Cell phone stipend
Location: Onsite - Zymo Research HQ - 17062 Murphy Ave, Irvine, CA 92614
Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.
All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to [email protected]
