Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D
Position Summary:
PacBio is seeking a Scientist I or Scientist II (level commensurate with experience) to join the Biochemistry and Reagents R&D group as a versatile bench scientist supporting multiple research programs. In a given week, you may execute protein purifications alongside the group's protein purification lead, prepare HiFi sequencing libraries, run sequencing chemistry experiments, and carry out targeted enrichment workflows using established PacBio protocols. Success in this role comes from mastering a wide range of protocols quickly, moving between them seamlessly, and executing each with precision. The ideal candidate is a hands-on biochemist or molecular biologist who learns fast, welcomes coaching, and enjoys contributing across many projects in a collaborative team. Candidates coming directly from academic research are encouraged to apply. You do not need to match every bullet below; if you believe you would be an excellent fit, please apply.
Responsibilities:
- Execute protein expression and purification protocols, including FPLC-based and plate-based high-throughput preparations, in partnership with the group's protein purification lead.
- Prepare HiFi sequencing libraries and run sequencing chemistry experiments on PacBio platforms.
- Execute targeted enrichment workflows following PacBio protocols, including testing new guide RNA designs.
- Learn new protocols quickly and move between projects and workflows as priorities change, while maintaining high quality and reproducibility.
- Perform QC on nucleic acids and proteins (e.g., Qubit, Femto Pulse or Bioanalyzer, SDS-PAGE) and evaluate results against defined performance metrics.
- Analyze and present data in team meetings and written reports.
- Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records and contribute to protocol troubleshooting and improvement.
- Collaborate with scientists across Biochemistry and Reagents R&D, Bioinformatics, and Product Development.
- Scientist II level: execute across workflows with greater independence, troubleshoot and optimize protocols, and help train Research Associates.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field. Scientist I: recent PhD, which may include a postdoc (minimum of 0–2 years). Scientist II: 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or post-PhD industry experience.
- Strong hands-on bench skills in molecular biology and biochemistry, with a record of executing complex, multi-step protocols reliably.
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Experience with NGS library preparation or comparable multi-step molecular workflows.
- Proficiency in nucleic acid and protein QC methods.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques quickly and manage multiple experiments in parallel as priorities shift.
- Coachable and collaborative; seeks out feedback and applies it.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Familiarity with long-read sequencing (PacBio HiFi or Oxford Nanopore) or CRISPR-based targeted sequencing workflows.
- Computational skills, such as data analysis in Python or R.
- Protein structure visualization (e.g., Chimera, PyMOL).
- Laboratory database management or LIMS experience.
- Experience with lab automation or liquid-handling platforms.
Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.
Non-Field Based Employees are required to be onsite Monday-Thursday (Friday work from home). Depending on the role, some employees may be required to be 100% onsite.
You may be required from time to time to visit and work at PacBio locations and for such times as the Company considers necessary for the proper performance of your duties.
All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities.
#LI-Onsite
Salary Range:
$97,400.00 - $168,000.00
