Job Summary: Zymo Research is seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to join the Epigenetics Technology group and develop innovative molecular and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods to investigate genetic variants, genomic abnormalities, DNA damage, and genome instability in cancer and other diseases. This hands-on role combines strong molecular biology and enzymology with sequencing library preparation and experimental DNA damage and structure mapping.
The scientist will pursue high-risk, high-reward methods development, moving from scientific hypotheses through feasibility testing, optimization, and analytical validation. The role requires direct cancer research experience and the ability to work independently through technical uncertainty. The scientist will contribute to invention disclosures, patent applications, and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Experience in epigenetics is valuable but is not required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Design and execute original methods development projects addressing disease-associated variants, genomic abnormalities, and genome integrity. Define testable hypotheses, appropriate controls, milestones, and criteria for continuing, revising, or stopping an experimental approach.
- Develop and troubleshoot NGS library preparation workflows and molecular assays. Optimize nucleic acid handling (e.g. minimizing DNA damage), enzymatic processing, adapter incorporation, amplification, and quality control to improve molecule recovery, accuracy, complexity, and reproducibility.
- Develop and evaluate experimental approaches for DNA damage and structure mapping (R-loops, D-loops). Distinguish biological signals from changes introduced during sample handling, extraction, storage, or library preparation using appropriate controls and independent measurements.
- Apply enzymology to characterize and optimize nucleic acid-modifying enzymes. Assess activity, specificity, substrate dependence, kinetics, and reaction compatibility; collaborate with the protein team on enzyme selection and improvement.
Research Validation and Scientific Outputs - Validate methods using defined standards, reference materials and model systems (e.g. cancer cell lines). Assess sensitivity, specificity, precision, background error, and robustness across sample quality and input levels.
- Work with bioinformatics scientists to interpret sequencing data, assess variants/SNPs, DNA damages/structures and mapping accuracy, and investigate sources of bias. Integrate experimental and computational evidence when refining assay performance.
- Maintain traceable records, communicate findings and technical risks, and document reproducible methods. Draft scientific manuscripts, prepare invention disclosures, and contribute experimental evidence and technical writing for patent applications with relevant teams.
- Provide scientific guidance to supporting researchers and contribute to other projects requiring relevant expertise. Balance exploratory research with clear feasibility decisions and practical development goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities and Core Competencies - Provide scientific guidance and training to potential Research Associates and Interns. Demonstrate creativity, scientific rigor, sound judgment, persistence through uncertainty, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
Education and Experience: - Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, or a related field, with first-authored peer-reviewed publications demonstrating original scientific contributions.
- Direct research experience in cancer biology or cancer genomics, including cancer-associated mutations or genomic abnormalities and DNA damage, repair, or genome instability.
- Experience in probe-enrichment assays followed by NGS (e.g. exome-sequencing).
- Demonstrated hands-on NGS methods development experience, including library preparation design, optimization, troubleshooting, and quantitative performance evaluation.
Required Scientific and Technical Skills - Strong molecular biology background, including DNA manipulation, primer and probe design, PCR and qPCR, adapter ligation, nucleic acid purification, and DNA and sequencing library quality control.
- Strong enzymology background with practical experience developing biochemical assays, interpreting enzyme activity and substrate specificity, and optimizing reaction conditions and multi-enzyme workflows.
- Understanding of genetic variation, structural and copy-number abnormalities, DNA damage, and genome instability in disease with an emphasis on cancer. Ability to distinguish biological variation from damage-related and sequencing artifacts.
- Ability to independently design rigorous experiments, analyze quantitative data, challenge assumptions, and adapt approaches when results do not support the initial hypothesis.
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills, including the ability to explain/present novel methods, document results clearly, and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and patent-related technical documentation.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with low-input (cfDNA) or damaged DNA (FFPE), disease-relevant model systems, or clinical research specimens.
- Experience with error-controlled sequencing, targeted enrichment, digital PCR, enzyme characterization or engineering, or advanced sequencing approaches (PacBio, Nanopore).
- Experience in epigenetics or DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation.
- Familiarity with sequencing data analysis (Bash / web-based Galaxy), statistics, R, or Python.
- 10+ years of relevant post-doctoral or professional research experience in a related field, preferably within cancer genomics, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline is a plus
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.
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