Assay Development Scientist

About us:

e184 Repro is a biotechnology research company with the mission of advancing in vitro gametogenesis to solve one of biology's most profound challenges: returning the fundamental right to procreate.

We work at the frontier of cutting-edge technology, integrating cellular reprogramming, machine learning-guided optimization, multi-omics analysis, and automated experimental workflows to enable gamete development for individuals facing reproductive challenges.

Role overview:

As our Assay Development Scientist, you will be the primary architect of our internal molecular biology toolkit, transforming cutting-edge academic and commercial protocols into robust, highly standardized workflows. Your mission is to bridge the gap between "published methods" and "internal gold standards". This role focuses on troubleshooting complex sample types, optimizing assays for low-input requirements, and collaborating with our computational team to validate data quality through a rigorous feedback loop.

Beyond the bench, you will evaluate emerging technologies, manage relationships with CROs, and spearhead our future transition toward automated liquid handling and miniaturized workflows. This is a role for a meticulous problem-solver who is passionate about technical excellence.

What you'll do

• Architect the toolkit:
  Identify, internalize, implement, and optimize cutting-edge assays (RNAseq, scRNAseq, ATACseq, ChIP-seq, etc.) for our specific samples and instruments.
• Push technology to the limit: Go beyond standard protocols and refine for ultra-low input samples where standard methods fail.
• Establish gold standards: Author company SOPs that ensure absolute reproducibility across the entire R&D team.
• Drive technical QC: Partner with our computational experts to analyze sequencing data and help decide which techniques are best for our platform.
• Bring the future:
  Develop new molecular biology technologies, demo high-end equipment, and lead the charge toward miniaturization and automation via liquid handlers.

Core requirements

• 5+ years of NGS mastery with deep, hands-on experience in sample prep across RNAseq, DNAseq, single-cell applications (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq), and DNA methylation sequencing in a fast-paced setting.
>
• A proven track record of developing or heavily modifying assays for challenging contexts (low input, difficult sample types), not just following manual instructions.
>
• Expert at interpreting Bioanalyzer/Tape Station traces and correlating library complexity with bench-side variables.
>
• Ability to translate complex technical trade-offs into clear decisions for both scientists and engineers.
>
• You are proactive, resourceful, obsessed with high-quality data, and thrive in a startup environment of constant troubleshooting.
>

You'll stand out with

• Automation background with experience programming liquid handlers (Hamilton/Opentrons/Tecan).
>
• A history of successfully miniaturizing reactions to slash costs while maintaining data integrity.
>
• Experience setting up and running Illumina or Nanopore/Pac Bio sequencers in-house.
>

Why e184?

• Unrivaled impact:
  Your work directly enables technology that transforms human fertility and reproductive medicine.
>
• Full-spectrum growth:
  Gain exposure to the entire lifecycle of discovery. From screening to mechanistic validation.
>
• Best of both worlds:
  Experience the creative chaos of an early-stage startup with the stability of a well-capitalized company.
>
• Elite collaboration:
  Work alongside a world-class team who are as driven as you are.
>

What we offer

• Competitive salary + equity participation is considered
>
• State-of-the-art facility in Portland metro area
>
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match
>
• 20 days PTO + 11 paid holidays
>

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.