Scientist III – NGS and Cellular Assays, Ingredient Discovery

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite full-time required)

Summary

As a member of the Ingredient Innovation team, you will design, optimize, and execute high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays to support the discovery of novel skincare ingredients. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the bioinformatics team to design robust, reproducible assays and iterate experimental design based on sequencing outputs. This role will also lead the development and implementation of liquid handling robotics and automation solutions to scale NGS workflows. This is a highly collaborative role that will interact with bioinformatics, assay development, and AI/ML teams to bring novel, scientifically backed ingredients to market.

Essential Functions

• Design, test, and execute high-throughput NGS workflows including human cell culture, RNA extraction, RNA-seq library preparation, quality control, and sequencing on the Illumina platform
• Develop and optimize NGS library prep and cell-based protocols to enhance assay performance
• Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to interpret sequencing outputs, troubleshoot data quality issues, and iterate on experimental design
• Maintain rigorous sample tracking, QC metrics, and documentation to ensure data integrity and reproducibility
• Develop and implement liquid handling robotics and automation platforms for NGS library preparation, sample manipulations, and other high-throughput workflows
• Mentor junior scientists and associates on NGS best practices, cell culture techniques, and robotics operation

Education and Experience

• PhD with 4 years of experience OR MS with 10 years of experience OR BS with 12 years of wet-lab experience in NGS assay development or relevant field
• Demonstrated experience in developing and troubleshooting challenging NGS assays
• Proficiency with liquid handling robotics and automation scripting
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, drug discovery, and/or cell biology techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging, luciferase reporter assay, ELISA) is a plus
• Strong organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) and chemicals.
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $110,000 - $140,000