Taxa
The Opportunity (Full-time, San Francisco)
We are seeking an expert in NGS protocol development to lead automated, high-throughput preparation of microbial isolates and low-biomass microbiome samples for DNA sequencing.
You will own every wet-lab step from raw sample to sequencer-ready library, responsible for optimizing the chemistry, reagents, and physical handling involved. Nothing in your workflow is a black box. You understand and have interrogated every buffer, enzyme, and surface a sample touches.
Your work will span diverse sequencing strategies and platforms, from shotgun metagenomics and amplicons to HMW native gDNA, and from ONT to Illumina and Element. You will adapt, optimize, and miniaturize protocols for liquid-handling systems such as Opentrons, Tecans, and Avidiens, and navigate the practical realities of automation tube formats, racking systems, decappers, labelers, sample tracking, and more.
You understand the trade-offs of current and emerging hardware and wet lab techniques, and can consistently deliver reproducible, high-quality libraries at scale. You will operate as an independent scientist within a lean, highly skilled team, with full ownership over your workflows and accountability for their results.
Responsibilities
Lead automated, high-throughput preparation of microbial isolates and low-biomass microbiome samples for DNA sequencing, from raw sample to sequencer-ready library.
Optimize chemistry, reagents, and handling; ensure no step in the workflow is treated as a black box.
Work across sequencing strategies and platforms (shotgun metagenomics, amplicons, HMW native gDNA) and platforms (ONT, Illumina, Element).
Adapt, optimize, and miniaturize protocols for liquid-handling systems (Opentrons, Teledyne Tecans, Avidien) and manage automation logistics (tube formats, racking, decappers, labelers, sample tracking).
Deliver reproducible, high-quality libraries at scale and act as an independent scientist with full workflow ownership.
Required Qualifications
NGS library prep mastery
6+ years preparing high-quality libraries for high-throughput sequencing (e.g., Illumina, ONT, Element) with deep expertise in tagmentation and amplicon workflows. Automation expertise
4+ years developing and running high-throughput NGS protocols for thousands of samples per month; deep expertise adapting, programming, and running NGS protocols on liquid-handling robots (e.g., Opentrons, Tecan, Avidien), including hardware integration with accessories. Lysis and DNA extraction
methods development and a first principles understanding of lysis methods for microbial samples and DNA extraction techniques (phase-separation, bead-based, and filter-based). Laboratory and data organization
maintains a spotless, efficient lab; tracks every sample, reagent, and instrument with precision; uses ELNs to ensure workflows are fully documented and reproducible. Full on-site availability
based in or willing to relocate to the Bay Area. Authorized to work in the U.S.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Highly Desirable Experience
Low-biomass and challenging samples
handling low-biomass or difficult microbial samples, including non-model or skin-associated bacteria. In-house reagent optimization
refining recipes for PCR master mixes, library prep reagents, size-selection beads, and related materials. Miniaturization of NGS workflows
scaling down and optimizing NGS kits for Illumina/Element and ONT platforms in both PCR-based and PCR-free workflows. Method development from literature
rapidly evaluating and implementing protocols from publications and open resources, tailoring them to sample types and sequencing platforms. Troubleshooting complex failures
diagnosing and resolving multi-factor issues across equipment and reagents. Metabolomics and multi-omics
experience with metabolomics or other multi-omics approaches in microbial samples. Laboratory management
managing ordering systems, forecasting supply needs, coordinating with vendors, and procurement logistics.
Transparent Compensation
Equity
meaningful equity package as a core component of total compensation. Benefits
comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement
401(k) plan with 6% employer match.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Required Qualifications
NGS library prep mastery
6+ years preparing high-quality libraries for high-throughput sequencing (e.g., Illumina, ONT, Element) with deep expertise in tagmentation and amplicon workflows. Automation expertise
4+ years developing and running high-throughput NGS protocols for thousands of samples per month; deep expertise adapting, programming, and running NGS protocols on liquid-handling robots (e.g., Opentrons, Tecan, Avidien), including hardware integration with accessories. Lysis and DNA extraction
methods development and a first principles understanding of lysis methods for microbial samples and DNA extraction techniques (phase-separation, bead-based, and filter-based). Laboratory and data organization
maintains a spotless, efficient lab; tracks every sample, reagent, and instrument with precision; uses ELNs to ensure workflows are fully documented and reproducible. Full on-site availability
based in or willing to relocate to the Bay Area. Authorized to work in the U.S.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Highly Desirable Experience
Low-biomass and challenging samples
handling low-biomass or difficult microbial samples, including non-model or skin-associated bacteria. In-house reagent optimization
refining recipes for PCR master mixes, library prep reagents, size-selection beads, and related materials. Miniaturization of NGS workflows
scaling down and optimizing NGS kits for Illumina/Element and ONT platforms in both PCR-based and PCR-free workflows. Method development from literature
rapidly evaluating and implementing protocols from publications and open resources, tailoring them to sample types and sequencing platforms. Troubleshooting complex failures
diagnosing and resolving multi-factor issues across equipment and reagents. Metabolomics and multi-omics
experience with metabolomics or other multi-omics approaches in microbial samples. Laboratory management
managing ordering systems, forecasting supply needs, coordinating with vendors, and procurement logistics.
Transparent Compensation
Equity
meaningful equity package as a core component of total compensation. Benefits
comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement
401(k) plan with 6% employer match.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr