Associate Director, Microbiology

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights. We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications. At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Director of Microbiology to build and lead the microbiology function supporting our target detection platform. This is a leadership role responsible for owning microbiology strategy across assay development, sample preparation, and verification/validation (V&V), and for building the team and infrastructure that scale that work from R&D through commercialization. The ideal candidate is an experienced microbiology leader from a biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, or regulated laboratory environment who pairs deep technical expertise with a track record of building teams and driving cross-functional programs in a fast-paced R&D setting. Because this is a newly established function, the right person is energized by rolling up their sleeves to do the work today and building the team that will own it tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Microbiology Leadership & Strategy
  • Own and lead the microbiology function, defining the strategy and roadmap for all microbiological inputs to the R&D pipeline from concept through feasibility, verification, and validation.
  • Direct planning, prioritization, and execution of microbiology work across multiple concurrent programs, balancing timelines, resources, and quality.
  • Establish the laboratory's microbial strain strategy — sourcing, characterization, banking, inventory governance, and documentation for bacterial and fungal organisms, including clinically relevant pathogens.
  • Set standards for and oversee aerobic and anaerobic culturing, microbial sample preparation, and genomic DNA extraction workflows performed under BSL-2 conditions.
  • Oversee generation of contrived and mock clinical samples, microbial panels, dilution series, and mixed-organism samples used for assay development, subsystem testing, and V&V.
• Team Building & Management
  • Build the microbiology team from the ground up: define the team structure, write the roles, and hire your first microbiologists and research associates.
  • In the interim, personally execute the microbiology workload — bench and documentation alike — until the team is in place to take it on.
  • Set goals, allocate work, develop talent, and establish performance standards and operating cadence for a growing laboratory.
  • Foster a culture of scientific rigor, biosafety, and quality, and mentor staff in microbial handling and documentation best practices.
• Assay Development & V&V Leadership
  • Partner with other R&D functions (engineering, assay development, integration) to direct development of sample preparation methodologies, control selection and design, and transition of assay chemistry from the R&D bench to high-volume cGMP production.
  • Lead the design of verification and validation studies, in concert with Regulatory Affairs and Assay Development, that meet global regulatory requirements including FDA and European IVDR.
  • Direct the microbial genomic DNA characterization strategy supporting oligonucleotide screening, assay development, and verification studies.
  • Drive the design, development, and scaling of an innovative molecular assay platform, bridging early-stage process development through commercial manufacturing and ensuring diagnostic kits are scalable, robust, and regulatory-compliant.
• Quality, Documentation & Regulatory
  • Establish and own microbiology workflows and SOPs, and ensure traceability and data integrity across microbial samples and study materials.
  • Partner with Clinical, Quality, and Regulatory representatives to deliver documentation packages, study records, and sample traceability that meet quality-system requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with biosafety procedures, laboratory standards, ISO 13485, and Design Controls.
  • Drive continuous improvement of microbiology workflows, laboratory organization, and documentation practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as the microbiology leader across the development organization, representing the function in technical investigations and development milestones.
  • Coordinate microbial sample generation and study support across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Build the scalable microbiology workflows and infrastructure needed to support future clinical and regulatory activities.

Requirements

• MS or PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related biological sciences discipline.
• 10+ years in molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, or clinical laboratory environments, with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience building and/or managing scientific teams.
• 8+ years of assay development experience within a commercial biotechnology or medical device company.
• Proven track record navigating FDA approvals (510(k)/De Novo), IVDR compliance, and/or managing CAP/CLIA-certified laboratories.
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 quality management systems and Design Controls for medical devices.
• Deep hands-on expertise in aerobic and anaerobic culturing of bacterial and fungal organisms, including clinically relevant pathogens.
• Hands-on expertise with microbial genomic DNA extraction, quantification, and quality assessment.
• Experience working in BSL-2 laboratory environments and handling potentially infectious materials.
• Strong documentation skills, including authoring SOPs, protocols, and study records.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, sequencing, or related molecular characterization methods.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and scientific rigor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling human blood samples or contrived clinical specimens.
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms.
• Experience supporting molecular diagnostic, sequencing, or infectious disease product development.
• Experience supporting analytical studies or V&V activities in a regulated environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is $165,000 – $205,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company