CS Genetics
Senior Scientist, Biophysical & Surface Chemistry
CS Genetics, Pleasanton, California, United States, 94566
Senior Scientist, Biophysical & Surface Chemistry
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Senior Scientist, Biophysical & Surface Chemistry
role at
CS Genetics
We’re seeking a PhD-level scientist to own the single cell-bead pairing phase of our single-cell assay, where cells and functionalized beads are brought together under tightly controlled physical and biochemical boundary conditions to enable one-to-one pairing. This role integrates surface chemistry, biophysics, and quantitative assay development to transform first-principles models into reproducible, manufacturable workflows.
You will lead optimization of bead–cell binding, applying rigorous experimental design to balance diffusion, shear, and binding kinetics. The position emphasizes hands‑on assay execution, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration with molecular biology, automation, and manufacturing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Design, perform, and interpret experiments to optimize bead–cell pairing using defined physical and biochemical boundaries (bead-to-cell ratio, mixing conditions, surface density, coating fraction, geometry, etc.).
Develop and characterize bead surfaces, including antibody or ligand conjugation, and orientation to control valency, maximize single-bead binding, and minimize doublets.
Quantify binding outcomes (1:1 yield, doublet rate, nonspecific binding) using microscopy, flow cytometry, and kinetic binding assays.
Apply structured optimization frameworks (DoE, sequential sweeps) to identify parameter boundaries for yield and purity.
Collaborate with downstream assay scientists to connect physical pairing parameters with molecular capture efficiency and sequencing performance.
Document results and transfer optimized conditions into manufacturing and QC pipelines.
Qualifications
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
Proven track record developing or optimizing surface-based biological assays (e.g., bead assays, immunoassays, biosensors).
Expertise in surface functionalization and conjugation chemistry (e.g., antibodies, biotin‑streptavidin, protein A/G, covalent coupling).
Proficiency with plate-based systems (96/384-well formats), quantitative microscopy, and/or flow cytometry.
Strong statistical and data‑analysis skills, including use of DoE and curve fitting tools (JMP, R, Python, or equivalent).
Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
Preferred Experience
Working knowledge of binding kinetics, diffusion, or transport models sufficient to interpret or apply internal frameworks; experience performing modeling or simulation is advantageous but not required.
Familiarity with orbital/pipette mixing dynamics and microscale hydrodynamics.
Experience integrating physical assay parameters with downstream molecular outcomes.
What We Offer
A chance to build something truly transformative from the ground up.
High ownership and autonomy in a fast-moving environment.
Opportunities to shape company direction and culture.
Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Senior Scientist, Biophysical & Surface Chemistry
role at
CS Genetics
We’re seeking a PhD-level scientist to own the single cell-bead pairing phase of our single-cell assay, where cells and functionalized beads are brought together under tightly controlled physical and biochemical boundary conditions to enable one-to-one pairing. This role integrates surface chemistry, biophysics, and quantitative assay development to transform first-principles models into reproducible, manufacturable workflows.
You will lead optimization of bead–cell binding, applying rigorous experimental design to balance diffusion, shear, and binding kinetics. The position emphasizes hands‑on assay execution, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration with molecular biology, automation, and manufacturing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Design, perform, and interpret experiments to optimize bead–cell pairing using defined physical and biochemical boundaries (bead-to-cell ratio, mixing conditions, surface density, coating fraction, geometry, etc.).
Develop and characterize bead surfaces, including antibody or ligand conjugation, and orientation to control valency, maximize single-bead binding, and minimize doublets.
Quantify binding outcomes (1:1 yield, doublet rate, nonspecific binding) using microscopy, flow cytometry, and kinetic binding assays.
Apply structured optimization frameworks (DoE, sequential sweeps) to identify parameter boundaries for yield and purity.
Collaborate with downstream assay scientists to connect physical pairing parameters with molecular capture efficiency and sequencing performance.
Document results and transfer optimized conditions into manufacturing and QC pipelines.
Qualifications
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
Proven track record developing or optimizing surface-based biological assays (e.g., bead assays, immunoassays, biosensors).
Expertise in surface functionalization and conjugation chemistry (e.g., antibodies, biotin‑streptavidin, protein A/G, covalent coupling).
Proficiency with plate-based systems (96/384-well formats), quantitative microscopy, and/or flow cytometry.
Strong statistical and data‑analysis skills, including use of DoE and curve fitting tools (JMP, R, Python, or equivalent).
Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
Preferred Experience
Working knowledge of binding kinetics, diffusion, or transport models sufficient to interpret or apply internal frameworks; experience performing modeling or simulation is advantageous but not required.
Familiarity with orbital/pipette mixing dynamics and microscale hydrodynamics.
Experience integrating physical assay parameters with downstream molecular outcomes.
What We Offer
A chance to build something truly transformative from the ground up.
High ownership and autonomy in a fast-moving environment.
Opportunities to shape company direction and culture.
Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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