Senior Scientist

Autonomous Medical Devices Incorporated (AMDI) is a California-based company dedicated to the development and manufacture of best‑in‑class diagnostic devices using innovative technology, factory automation, and cloud connectivity. AMDI is headquartered in Santa Ana, CA where it manufactures the Fast PCR Mini Respiratory Panel in an ISO:13485 / MDSAP certified 110,000 square foot facility.

Summary of Position
Are you an innovative, hands‑on scientist with a passion for research and discovery? We’re looking for a Senior Scientist to join our team! In this role, you will contribute to the development of cutting‑edge biomolecular reagents and novel assays designed to detect molecular and protein targets within our proprietary point‑of‑care microfluidic systems. The Senior Scientist will also play a key role in establishing QC processes for biological materials, drafting SOPs, and driving process improvements.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology techniques and be able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

Location
This is an onsite position located at our Menlo Park, CA office. Candidates living within a 25 mile range preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Expertly prepare and purify biomolecular conjugates.
• Develop immunoassays and PCR‑based molecular assays.
• Scale up biomolecular reagent manufacturing from bench‑scale to GMP full‑scale manufacturing.
• Use a broad range of protein analytical techniques (HPLC, SPR, SDS‑PAGE) to characterize purity, stability, enzymatic activity, and binding characteristics of protein batches.
• Provide collaborative assistance to other development projects using biomolecular conjugate production and analytical characterization expertise.
• Fluently use online tools to search scientific literature and patent filings for evaluating new technology and assessing freedom to operate, and solve technical problems.
• Document ongoing experiments and test protocols, summarize data, and present in group meetings.
• Maintain experimental data, material specifications, manufacturing procedures, and equipment operating procedures in an electronic lab notebook (Lab Archive) following good laboratory notebook practices to ensure proper traceability and sharing of results with the team.
• Effectively manage projects and resources. Interface with quality and manufacturing staff to ensure reliable integration, scale‑up, and transition to production.
• Follow the lab safety procedures and carry out preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment as needed.
• Work on other research projects and help with other assignments or projects as the need arises with other team members.

Qualifications Required for Position

• Master’s degree in life sciences or physical sciences (or equivalent) required;
  Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in biomolecular research field.
• Minimum of 5 years of combined experience in protein and nucleic acid chemistries, especially antibody labeling and conjugation.
• Experienced in protein analytical techniques (HPLC, gel/capillary electrophoresis, binding studies, and stability assessments, etc.).
• Experienced in molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid purification, RT, and qPCR, etc.).
• Motivated team player with attention to detail, a strong desire for collaboration, and accountability and commitment to accomplish team goals, and the ability to prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment are critical.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to plan ahead.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Excel, Word, and Outlook. Prior experience with analytical software, electronic lab notebooks, etc.
• Ability to collaborate with other team members to work on projects.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in research environment at biotech, preferred.
• Previous experience working in a BSL2 laboratory environment, preferred.
• Previous experience in NGS experiment and data analysis, preferred.
• Antibody/nanobody design and screening, preferred.
• Previous experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP/Prism), preferred.
• Onsite work at our Menlo Park facility, possibly…