We are seeking an expert in NGS protocol development to lead automated, high-throughput preparation of microbial isolates and low-biomass microbiome samples for DNA sequencing.

You will own every wet-lab step from raw sample to sequencer-ready library, responsible for optimizing the chemistry, reagents, and physical handling involved. Nothing in your workflow is a black box. You understand and have interrogated every buffer, enzyme, and surface a sample touches.

Your work will span diverse sequencing strategies and platforms, from shotgun metagenomics and amplicons to HMW native gDNA, and from ONT to illumina and Element. You will adapt, optimize, and miniaturize protocols for liquid-handling systems such as Opentrons, Tecans, and Avidiens, and navigate the practical realities of automation — tube formats, racking systems, decappers, labelers, sample tracking, and more.

You understand the trade-offs of current and emerging hardware and wet lab techniques, and can consistently deliver reproducible, high-quality libraries at scale. You will operate as an independent scientist within a lean, highly skilled team, with full ownership over your workflows and accountability for their results.

Required Qualifications:

✔️ NGS library prep mastery — 6+ years preparing high-quality libraries for high-throughput sequencing (e.g., Illumina, ONT, Element) with deep expertise in tagmentation and amplicon workflows.

✔️ Automation expertise — 4+ years developing and running high-throughput NGS protocols for thousands of samples (or more) per month. Deep expertise adapting, programming, and running NGS protocols on liquid-handling robots (e.g. Opentrons, Tecan, Avidien), including hardware integration with accessories such as decappers, labelers, and plate/tube racking systems.

✔️ Lysis and DNA extraction — methods development and a first principles understanding of lysis methods for microbial samples (chemical, enzymatic, mechanical, and acoustic) and DNA extraction techniques (phase-separation, bead-based, and filter-based).

✔️ Laboratory and data organization — maintains a spotless, efficient lab; tracks every sample, reagent, and instrument with precision; and uses ELNs to ensure workflows are fully documented, traceable, and only dependent on processes, not people.

✔️ Full on-site availability — based in or willing to relocate to the Bay Area.

✔️ Authorized to work in the U.S. — Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Highly Desirable Experience:

✔️ Low-biomass and challenging samples — handling low-biomass or otherwise difficult microbial samples, especially non-model or skin-associated bacteria.

✔️ In-house reagent optimization — refining recipes for PCR master mixes, library prep reagents, size-selection beads, and related materials.

✔️ Miniaturization of NGS workflows — scaling down and optimizing NGS kits for Illumina/Element and ONT platforms, across both PCR-based and PCR-free workflows.

✔️ Method development from literature — rapidly evaluating and implementing protocols from scientific publications and open resources, tailoring them to specific sample types and sequencing platforms.

✔️ Troubleshooting complex failures — diagnosing and resolving multi-factor experimental issues across equipment (thermocyclers, tape stations, liquid-handling robots, reagents).

✔️ Metabolomics and multi-omics — experience with metabolomics or other multi-omics approaches in microbial samples.

✔️ Laboratory management — managing ordering systems, forecasting supply needs, coordinating with vendors for equipment and consumables, and overseeing procurement logistics to keep operations running smoothly.

Transparent Compensation:

✔️ Base salary — $130,000 annual salary.

✔️ Equity — meaningful equity package as a core component of total compensation.

✔️ Benefits — comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

✔️ Retirement — 401(k) plan with 6% employer match.

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