Staff Scientist, Surface Chemistry

About the role

Element Biosciences seeks a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our surface chemistry team. The ideal candidate will lead the development of innovative new products in the fields of next-generation sequencing and multiomics applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate novel surface chemistry approaches to enable next-generation sequencing/multiomics applications
• Design and evaluate novel surface chemistry solutions on microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices, with a strong understanding of how device geometry and flow conditions influence surface performance and assay outcomes
• Lead product development efforts, including experimental design, prototyping, functional testing, and data analysis
• Troubleshoot performance issues related to surface fouling, non-specific binding, or cell compatibility
• Identify and resolve experimental challenges related to assay design, protocol execution, reagent selection, and surface performance
• Support the transfer of surface chemistry solutions from research into product development and manufacturing, in collaboration with process development and operations teams
• Maintain hands-on scientific leadership, setting the direction for laboratory experimentation and troubleshooting while mentoring junior scientists and guiding their technical development
• Contribute innovative ideas and technical insight to early-stage concept development and feasibility assessments
• Contribute technical expertise to invention disclosures and patent applications in collaboration with the IP legal team and senior technical leadership
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in product management, assay development, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure alignment and successful execution
• Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports and presentations that summarize findings, support decision-making, and document development progress

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or a related field
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience in surface chemistry, materials science, or biomolecular interfaces in life sciences or diagnostics
• Strong publication and presentation record, with contributions to patents or novel methods
• Deep expertise in surface chemistry, polymer chemistry, and biomolecule–surface interactions
• Background in NGS, genomics, proteomics or multiomics platforms
• Familiarity with microfluidic device design principles and an understanding of how channel geometry, surface-to-volume ratios, and flow dynamics influence surface chemistry performance and assay outcomes; experience with device fabrication (e.g., soft lithography, PDMS) or working with commercial lab-on-chip platforms is preferred
• Familiarity with surface analytical techniques such as AFM, ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM, TOF-SIMS, and XPS
• Familiarity with manufacturing constraints, process transfer or scale-up
• Ability to operate with a high degree of independence in experimental planning, execution, and data interpretation, requiring minimal day-to-day supervision
• Proactive identification of risks, knowledge gaps, and opportunities, and proposing data-driven paths forward that shape project scope and organizational priorities
• Effective communication with clarity and purpose across disciplines, enabling alignment, informed decisions, and efficient collaboration

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Physical activity and the handling of chemicals
• Follows safety protocols and is familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE)

Benefits

• No cost health insurance plans
• 401k with company match
• Flexible paid time off

Pay

$158,000 - $197,000

Schedule

Full-time, Exempt