Position Overview
Digital Biotechnologies is developing a solid-state single-molecule sequencing platform designed to deliver rapid, affordable, and accessible DNA sequencing in clinical settings. Our vision is a future where DNA sequencing becomes a routine clinical diagnostic—empowering physicians with actionable genetic information whenever and wherever it is needed. Looking ahead, our platform has the potential to expand beyond DNA to RNA and other biomolecules.
We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate I or II to join our growing team. In this role, you will work alongside scientists and engineers to develop, test, and optimize the technologies that power our sequencing platform. Whether designing experiments, generating high-quality data, building new assays, or solving complex technical challenges, your contributions will directly influence the development of a technology with the potential to transform molecular diagnostics.
If you are excited by solving challenging scientific problems, thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, and want your work to have a direct impact on the future of clinical diagnostics, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Perform chemical modification, functionalization, and characterization of biomolecules.
Synthesize, functionalize, and characterize inorganic and organic nanomaterials.
Design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments to support development of Digital's sequencing platform.
Perform microscopy experiments using techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and optical microscopy, and analyze resulting data.
Prepare experimental samples according to study plans and established protocols.
Generate accurate, reproducible, and well-documented experimental data while maintaining detailed electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental results, drawing scientifically sound conclusions with guidance from senior scientists.
Identify trends, unexpected results, and technical challenges, and propose potential solutions or improvements.
Contribute to the optimization of laboratory methods, experimental workflows, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, and computational scientists to develop integrated sequencing technologies.
Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and a safe, organized laboratory environment.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
One or more years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, industrial, or research environment.
Strong experimental skills with excellent attention to detail and scientific record keeping.
Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental results and troubleshoot technical challenges.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary startup environment.
Preferred
Experience with electrochemistry or electrical characterization techniques.
Experience with electron microscopy and/or scanning probe microscopy (e.g., AFM, TEM, SEM).
Experience with DNA and molecular biology techniques, including purification, quantification, PCR, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Experience with nanomaterials, surface chemistry, biomolecular functionalization, or DNA nanotechnology.
Experience using scientific software or programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, ImageJ, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization.
Working Conditions
This position is primarily laboratory-based and involves working with chemicals, nanomaterials, and biological specimens, including human blood, bone marrow, and tissue, in accordance with established safety protocols.
Occasional evening or extended work hours may be required to support experiments, critical milestones, or project deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Stand or sit for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.
Perform repetitive laboratory tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
Occasionally lift items weighing more than 20 pounds using appropriate assistance or equipment.
Move laboratory equipment, including freezers and refrigerators, using approved carts and dollies.
Work for short periods in cold-storage environments (e.g., walk-in 20°C freezers) while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Consistently follow laboratory safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
Compensation
Hourly Rate: $26.88 - $34.33
About Digital Biotechnologies
Help make DNA sequencing a routine clinical diagnostic.
Today, most DNA sequencing requires specialized laboratories, expensive instrumentation, and days to weeks before results reach physicians. While these technologies have transformed biological research and clinical testing, they remain too slow, costly, and operationally complex for many time-sensitive clinical applications. Digital Biotechnologies is changing that.
Achieving this vision requires expertise that spans multiple scientific and engineering disciplines. Our team integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, DNA nanotechnology, solid-state physics, microfabrication, electronics, signal processing, software, and data science to solve one of the most challenging problems in biotechnology. It is this interdisciplinary approach that enables us to develop technologies that would not be possible within any single field alone.
Backed by $15 million in Series A financing following early support from Adaptive Biotechnologies, Digital offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative startup environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in shaping both the technology and the company.
