Chemist, Sequencing Technologies

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Chemist, Sequencing Technology

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that is designing, developing and manufacturing advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical research resolve genetically complex problems.  Our mission is to enable the promise of genomics to better human health. Genomics is core to all biological processes, and our advanced genomics tools provide scientists and clinical researchers the insights to better understand biology and health.  We are now entering the century of biology and genomics is at the heart of the next revolution.  Become part of the new paradigm in gene sequencing and help shape the future of genomic study by joining the PacBio team.

Pacific Biosciences is seeking a senior scientist to join the Technology Development group and support the development of new sample preparation workflows and methodologies. This position will be based in Baltimore but is expected to work closely with our teams in Menlo Park and San Diego. Our sample preparation kits are commonly used for applications ranging from de novo assembly to structural variant analysis and epigenetics research. Our products generate class-leading genomics data and have been responsible for pushing the boundaries of both applications and data quality with customers hailing from academic and government research institutes to biotech companies in over 50 countries across the world.

The candidate's primary responsibility will be to lead the development of new sample preparation, library preparation, and assay chemistries. This will include DNA extraction, DNA shearing, library preparation, application specific kits, size selection, automation and the integration of these processes to achieve improved sequencing performance and robustness. This will likely include the development of new devices, new methods, new chemistries, and new instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be facile in the development and integration of all previous aspects.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Identification of bottlenecks in workflow, chemistry, and other factors that limit sequencing performance and reliability
• Researching and proposing solutions to these problems. The ideal candidate will be able to draw upon a diverse background of skills and knowledge to come up with novel solutions.
• Development of novel chemistries for all steps in library preparation and sequencing workflows
• Leading the development and validation of new technologies and applications.
• Working with cross-functional teams to implement solutions as part of integrated product offerings
• Development of new kits, consumables, devices, and instruments

Desired skills:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or the like
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry or polymer chemistry
• Experience with analytical techniques including chromatography, UV/Vis, mass spec, and FTIR
• Deep understanding of DNA conformation, DNA packing, and single molecule biophysics
• Experience developing and optimizing chemistry, reagent, and buffer systems to manipulate DNA
• Experience with automation and fluid handling instrumentation
• Experience with NGS library preparation is a plus. Experience with long-read sequencing and high molecular weight DNA is also a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude and eagerness to take on new challenges outside of comfort zone
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal skills.

All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

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