Job Description

Job Summary:

Zymo Research is seeking a Research Associate to join the Epigenetics Technology group and support next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay development for DNA methylation and cancer research, including probe enrichment and library preparation for methylation and genetic variant analysis.

Working with project scientists, the associate will apply molecular biology and enzymatic techniques to feasibility studies, optimization, and validation using cell-free DNA (cfDNA), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue DNA, and reference materials.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute planned experiments for probe enrichment, DNA methylation, and cancer assay development (variants/SNPs). Prepare reagents and controls and contribute to experimental planning and troubleshooting with project scientists.
• Perform and optimize probe enrichment assays, including hybridization, capture, washing, recovery, and amplification as applicable. Assess enrichment efficiency, specificity, reproducibility, and recovery.
• Prepare NGS libraries using enzymatic processing, adapter incorporation, amplification, and purification. Measure DNA concentration, fragment size, and library yield; investigate artifacts and failed reactions.
• Perform end point PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, and other quantitative assays to assess DNA quality, enrichment, conversion, and recovery. Support primer and probe evaluation.
• Conduct enzyme-based experiments using polymerases, ligases, nucleases, and other nucleic acid-modifying enzymes. Vary conditions systematically and record results to support optimization.
• Process low-input samples with careful tracking and contamination control. Support validation using methylation and variant/SNPs standards, defined mixtures, and appropriate cancer and non-cancer specimens.
• Maintain complete laboratory records, summarize results, and flag unexpected findings. Help update SOPs, manage reagents and inventory, and contribute to other projects requiring relevant skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Core Competencies

• No formal supervisory responsibilities. May help train colleagues on established procedures once proficient. Key competencies include accuracy, reproducibility, organization, practical problem-solving, clear communication, and teamwork.

Education and Experience

• Master/Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, or a related field, with relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing NGS library preparation and probe-based target enrichment assays, including routine optimization, quality control, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to execute multi-step protocols accurately, organize experiments, and maintain traceable laboratory records.

Required Scientific and Technical Skills

• Strong practical molecular biology skills, including nucleic acid handling (DNA/RNA), accurate pipetting, PCR and qPCR, enzymatic reactions, purification, and DNA and library quality control.
• Working knowledge of enzymology and the effects of enzyme concentration, substrate quality, incubation conditions, titrations, and buffer composition on assay performance.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot probe-based target enrichment workflows and understand how hybridization conditions, washing, and amplification affect recovery and specificity.
• Ability to analyze experimental results using spreadsheets and basic statistics, summarize data clearly, and communicate with scientists and bioinformatics colleagues.
• Attention to detail, reliable sample and reagent management, good laboratory practices, and the ability to manage several experiments and priorities with appropriate guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DNA methylation assays, bisulfite/enzymatic conversion chemistry, cancer research, low-input cfDNA or FFPE samples, and exome capture.
• Experience with digital PCR, UMI-based libraries, automated liquid handling, or assay transfer into routine workflows.
• Experience supporting NGS methods development, evaluating enzyme performance, or interpreting sequencing quality metrics such as on-target fraction, coverage, duplication, and conversion efficiency.

About Us:

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $64,480-$72,384 (~$28-35 per hour) at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Generous 401(K) with matching
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
• Complimentary EV Charging
• Cell phone stipend

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location:

Onsite – Zymo Research HQ - 17062 Murphy Ave, Irvine, CA 92614

Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.

All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to [email protected]