Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist, Assay Discovery

About the job

SiPhox Health, a Khosla Ventures, Intel Capital, and Y Combinator-backed startup, is commercializing next-generation diagnostics using silicon photonics, a platform technology for optics miniaturization that has revolutionized the data center industry over the last two decades. Our chip-based solution combines state-of-the-art biochemistry, photonics, electronics, and microfluidics to provide the power of large laboratory instruments in a portable device.

We are seeking an exceptional scientist to be part of an exciting, externally funded project to push the boundaries of continuous monitoring of complex biological systems. Our goal is to develop state-of-the-art sensor technology that will revolutionize fields ranging from medical diagnostics to biomanufacturing. If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a tangible impact in biotechnology, we invite you to join us as we explore this new frontier.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist in Assay Discovery to drive the development of a menu of new immunoassay targets targeting continuous monitoring applications. This will involve screening antibody candidates on surrogate systems (SPR, BLI) and optimizing assay conditions on the SiPhox platform. The successful candidate will collaborate with our engineers, process development, and product development teams to build this expanded menu and help bring it through validation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute immunoassay experiments; generate and interpret data
• Summarize relevant work into written reports and presentations
• Collaborate across the organization on systems integration with SiPhox instrumentation
• Validate assays and assist when needed with the commercialization process for the developed menu of markers
• Collaborate with the process and chemistry team to ensure the development of robust and scalable processes for assay manufacturing and quality control
• Note: SiPhox is a fast-paced startup, and this is a fully in-person job that can sometimes require working long hours to meet deadlines

Qualifications

• PhD + 3 years or MS + 6 years of industry experience in biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, bioengineering or a related discipline
• Experience with immunoassay development required
• Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team required
• Able to resolve complex technical problems independently
• Working knowledge and practical ability in a variety of complex laboratory procedures, established techniques, instruments and equipment
• Attention to detail and good record keeping skills
• Proven key contributions to development projects and marketed products
• Familiarity with statistical principles applicable to assessment of assay performance
• Familiarity with standards applicable to assay validation preferred
• Experience in computational analysis of data sets using general purpose programming language (such as Python, R, or Matlab) preferred
• Experience with CLIA a plus
• Experience with point-of-care, at-home, and/or wearable devices is a plus
• Experience with label-free sensors is a plus
• Experience with biochips, microarrays, and microfluidics is a plus

Additional qualifications for Senior Research Scientist

• PhD and 4+ years or MS and 6+ years of industry experience in biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of diagnostic product development and instrument systems preferred
• Familiarity with in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assay development, ISO 13485, and 21 CFR 820 preferred

Personal Characteristics

• Sets and achieves ambitious goals, delivering outstanding and measurable results
• Exhibits absolute personal integrity and credibility; acts with a small-team mentality but delivers outsized results
• Passionate about excellence
• Willing to take risks and challenge conventional solutions
• Creative thinker, able to think outside the box and strategically