Sr​/Staff Scientist – Surface Chemistry

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights. We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven teamoperatingin a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

AtSarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, anda builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to Staff Scientist Surface Chemist to drive the design, development, and optimization of functionalized surfaces for next‑generation sequencing (NGS), and molecular diagnostic (IVD) platforms. This role sits at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and device engineering, andis responsible for developing robust, manufacturable surfacechemistries(includinghydrogel, silane, self‑assembled monolayers,brush polymer surfaces) forultra‑low fouling,oligonucleotide/probe immobilization,hybridization and various molecular processes.

The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑onexpertiseinvarioussurface chemistry methods, thin‑film deposition techniques, and a broad analytical toolkit for surface characterization, combined with the ability to troubleshoot chemistry performance in the context of an integrated diagnostic device.

• Design, synthesize, andoptimizesurface chemistries (hydrogel, silane, self‑assembled monolayers,brush polymer surfaces) for oligonucleotide/probe immobilization, amplification, and hybridization chemistriesonnext‑generation sequencing (NGS), and molecular diagnostic (IVD) platforms.
• Develop andoptimizesurface functionalization processes on diverse substrate materials — glass, silicon, silicon nitride, metals/metal oxides, noble‑metal electrodes, polymers, and patterned/micro‑structured surfaces.
• Lead development and scale‑up of surface deposition and patterning processes, including PE‑CVD, CVD, spin‑coating, dip‑coating, spray‑coating, vapor‑phase deposition, plasma treatment/activation, and photolithographic/printed patterning methods.
• Characterize surface chemistry performance and quality using a broad suite of analytical techniques, correlating physicochemical properties to assay performance (signal, specificity, uniformity, density, non‑specific binding).
• Work closely with electrode‑basedplatformon surface modification of working/reference/counter electrodes and evaluation of electrochemical performance.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Assay Development, Reagent Chemistry, Device/Instrument Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory teams to transition surface chemistry processes from R&D through pilot scale‑up and into IVD manufacturing under design control.
• Design and execute DOEs tooptimizecoating uniformity, reproducibility, shelf‑life/stability, and lot‑to‑lot consistency; support root cause investigations and CAPAs related to surface chemistry performance.
• Author and maintain technical reports, protocols, batch records, DHF/design control documentation, and contribute to regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA 510(k)/PMA, CE‑IVDR) as needed.
• Maintain awareness of literature and emerging technologies in surface chemistry, biofunctionalization, and diagnostic surface engineering; evaluate new materials/methods for potential adoption.
• Mentor junior scientists and associates;may manage or direct the work of research associates.
• Support IP…