Research Associate I​/II – Microbiology & Molecular Biology

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 team operating in 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.

At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a 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 highly motivated and detail‑oriented Research Associate to join our R&D team developing innovative diagnostic technologies. The successful candidate will support the development, optimization, and analytical evaluation of molecular and microbiological assays for diagnostic applications.

This role will involve hands‑on laboratory research, including microbial culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, sample preparation, and analysis of biological specimens. The ideal candidate will have strong microbiology and molecular biology skills, excellent experimental judgment, and an interest in translating laboratory technologies into reliable, scalable diagnostic products.

• Perform microbiological workflows, including aerobic and anaerobic culture, microbial identification, dilution series preparation, enumeration, Gram staining, and microorganism characterization.
• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, nucleic acid purification and quantification/quality assessment using methods such as Qubit, Nano Drop, qPCR‑based quantification, or equivalent methods.
• Develop and optimize sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction workflows for clinical or biological specimens, including host/background depletion, microbial lysis, enrichment/concentration, nucleic acid purification, and recovery.
• Design, execute, and optimize experiments supporting the development of molecular and microbiological diagnostic assays.
• Prepare and characterize biological samples, controls, standards, and reference materials used in assay development.
• Generate, organize, and analyze experimental data, and communicate results to project teams.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure experimental work is performed according to established protocols and quality practices.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and assay documentation.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, automation teams, and other R&D team members to integrate sample preparation and biological assays with diagnostic platforms and technologies.
• Support technology transfer, assay verification/validation, and scale‑up activities as projects progress toward product development.

• Hands‑on laboratory experience in microbiology including aseptic technique, culture, isolation, Gram staining, identification, enumeration, and characterization of microorganisms, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid purification. Experience with nucleic acid quantification and quality assessment using methods such as Qubit, Nano Drop, qPCR‑based quantification, or equivalent methods.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction workflows from biological or…