ICatch.Bozeman.Montana.US.Molecular_Applications_Scientist

The Role We're hiring 1-2 Molecular Applications Scientists to lead the design, optimization, and validation of field-ready molecular diagnostic assays. In this role, you will drive core R&D activities, supervise technical staff, and bridge lab-based assay development with practical field deployment. This position is ideal for recent PhD graduates to established scientists eager to build commercial diagnostic solutions from the ground up in a fast-paced biotechnology startup.

If you are a detail-oriented, self-motivated scientist driven by real-world applications, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do
- Generate high-throughput genomic sequence datasets based on whole genome sequencing, reduced representation sequencing, and analogous methods.

- Implement and manage bioinformatic pipelines to process and analyze complex genetic and genomic datasets.

- Design, optimize, and validate field-deployable molecular assays for detecting nucleic acid targets.

- Maintain rigorous quality control standards, laboratory notebooks, and field documentation.

- Supervise, mentor, and train technical support staff.

- Prepare technical data packages, validation reports, and executive summaries for regulatory partners and external review.

- Support field testing and pilot deployment during field operations. Required Skills
- PhD or Master's degree (the latter only with relevant research and supervisory experience) in molecular biology, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, fisheries/wildlife science or a closely related field.

- Hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting molecular assays (e.g., PCR/qPCR, isothermal amplification techniques, primer/probe design).

- Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, NGS library preparation, and high-throughput sequencing workflows (e.g., species barcoding, eDNA, or target capture).

- Strong proficiency in bioinformatic pipelines for analyzing complex genomic datasets, with specific expertise in variant discovery, sequence alignment, and target locus identification.

- Experience supervising, mentoring, and managing laboratory technicians, research assistants, or junior scientific staff.

- Robust organizational skills with a track record of maintaining detailed laboratory records, protocols, and digital workflows.

- Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable thriving on a small startup team.

- Able to work on-site in Bozeman, MT in a hands-on lab environment.

- Eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills
- Experience translating lab assays into field-ready formats (e.g., lateral flow, lyophilization).

- Experience with seafood, fisheries, or other aquatic species.

- Background in forensic-grade testing, regulatory validation, or agency workflows.

- Proven track record of drafting high quality scientific manuscripts or technical reports.

Additional Requirements Employment is contingent on:

- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

- Successful completion of a background check.

- Successful verification of education credentials and relevant professional experience.

- Signing a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement. Compensation, Location, & Timeline The initial hire is for one year with additional years possible given satisfactory performance and available funding. Full-time, on-site employment in Bozeman, Montana; remote work options are not feasible. Competitive industry compensation commensurate with experience and generous benefits package. Start date is as soon as possible, but no later than December 1, 2026.To

Apply Submit the following items as a single PDF document to jobs with "Molecular Applications Scientist" in the subject line:
1. CV (up to 6 pages)2. Cover letter (up to 2 pages) 3. Contact information for 3 professional references

Applications will be reviewed immediately. Positions are open until filled, apply as soon as possible for full consideration.