Sr. Scientist, Biophysical & Surface Chemistry in Pleasanton

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Position Summary

Were seeking a PhD-level scientist to own the single cell-bead pairing phase of our single-cell assay, where cells and functionalized beads are brought together under tightly controlled physical and biochemical boundary conditions to enable one-to-one pairing. This role integrates surface chemistry, biophysics, and quantitative assay development to transform first-principles models into reproducible, manufacturable workflows.

You will lead optimization of beadcell binding, applying rigorous experimental design to balance diffusion, shear, and binding kinetics. The position emphasizes hands-on assay execution, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with molecular biology, automation, and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and interpret experiments to optimize beadcell pairing using defined physical and biochemical boundaries (bead-to-cell ratio, mixing conditions, surface density, coating fraction, geometry, etc.).
• Develop and characterize bead surfaces, including antibody or ligand conjugation, and to control valency, maximize single bead binding, and minimize doublets.
• Quantify binding outcomes (1:1 yield, doublet rate, nonspecific binding) using microscopy, flow cytometry, and kinetic binding assays.
• Apply structured optimization frameworks (DoE, sequential sweeps) to identify parameter boundaries for yield and purity.
• Collaborate with downstream assay scientists to connect physical pairing parameters with molecular capture efficiency and sequencing performance.
• Document results and transfer optimized conditions into manufacturing and QC pipelines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Proven track record developing or optimizing surface-based biological assays (e.g., bead assays, immunoassays, biosensors).
• Expertise in surface functionalization and conjugation chemistry (e.g., antibodies, biotin-streptavidin, protein A/G, covalent coupling).
• Proficiency with plate-based systems (96/384-well formats), quantitative microscopy, and/or flow cytometry.
• Strong statistical and data-analysis skills, including use of DoE and curve fitting tools (JMP, R, Python, or equivalent).
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Experience

• Working knowledge of binding kinetics, diffusion, or transport models sufficient to interpret or apply internal frameworks; experience performing modeling or simulation is advantageous but not required.
• Familiarity with orbital/pipette mixing dynamics and microscale hydrodynamics.
• Experience integrating physical assay parameters with downstream molecular outcomes.
• Comfort in a fast-paced, experimental development environment.

What We Offer

• A chance to build something truly transformative from the ground up.
• High ownership and autonomy in a fast-moving environment.
• Opportunities to shape company direction and culture.
• Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.

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