Research Scientist Assay Development & Surface Chemistry

Research Scientist - Assay Development & Surface Chemistry Twenty Seven Labs Hayward, CA Job Details Part-time | Contract $35 - $65 an hour 23 hours ago Qualifications Research design Western blot Teamwork Immunoassays Doctoral degree Immunological laboratory techniques Assay development Product development Doctor of Philosophy Experimental design Chemistry Root cause analysis Research & development

Full Job Description Company:

Twenty Seven Labs (27L)

Location:

Hayward, CA (Onsite Only)

Job Type:

Contract / Consultant (Hourly)

Schedule:

Approximately 20-40 hrs/week depending on project needs

Start Date:

Immediate Initial Term:

2-month contract with potential extension About the Role Twenty Seven Labs (27L) is seeking a highly independent, hands-on Research Scientist to support assay development efforts across client and internal R D programs. This role is best suited for a technically strong experimental scientist who can independently drive assay development activities, troubleshoot complex experimental problems, and communicate scientific findings clearly in a fast-moving environment. The ideal candidate has deep experience in immunoassays, bioconjugation, surface chemistry, and magnetic bead-based workflows, with the ability to move between projects and rapidly understand new technical challenges. We are specifically looking for someone who combines strong bench execution with scientific judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to diagnose root causes of assay failure or variability. This role is expected to contribute not only experimental execution, but also scientific direction, experimental strategy, and technical problem-solving across multiple evolving projects. This is an onsite laboratory role based in Hayward, CA. Responsibilities Independently design, execute, analyze, and optimize experiments across multiple assay development programs Develop and troubleshoot immunoassays, including ELISA and related workflows Lead surface chemistry activities, including immobilization strategies, surface functionalization, blocking optimization, and assay integration Develop and optimize conjugation workflows involving antibodies, proteins, oligonucleotides, particles, enzymes, or related biomolecules Work with and optimize conjugation chemistries and related surface attachment strategies Develop and troubleshoot magnetic bead-based assay systems, including bead functionalization, capture/detection workflows, washing conditions, and signal optimization Investigate sources of assay variability, background, instability, non-specific binding, or poor sensitivity, and propose practical solutions Prepare reagents, assay buffers, standards, controls, blockers, and intermediate stock solutions Analyze assay performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, dynamic range, reproducibility, precision, and signal-to-background performance Generate concise technical summaries, including experimental design, data interpretation, troubleshooting rationale, and recommended next steps Present technical findings, experimental rationale, and troubleshooting approaches clearly during team and client discussions Maintain organized, reproducible, and well-documented laboratory records Communicate complex technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders Contribute across multiple projects as priorities evolve in a fast-paced R D environment Work safely and effectively within a BSL-1/2 laboratory environment Required Qualifications PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related field 3+ years of relevant hands-on industry or applied research experience in assay development, diagnostics, or product development Strong experience with immunoassay development and optimization, particularly ELISA-based systems Strong background in surface chemistry and biomolecule immobilization strategies Hands-on experience with bioconjugation workflows involving antibodies, proteins, oligonucleotides, enzymes, nanoparticles, or related systems Experience developing and troubleshooting magnetic bead-based assays Demonstrated ability to independently plan experiments and execute with minimal supervision Strong scientific troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts and experimental findings Comfortable operating in fast-moving and ambiguous R D environments Must be able to work onsite in Hayward, CA Must have valid U.S. work authorization No visa sponsorship available for this role Preferred Qualifications Experience working across multiple assay platforms simultaneously Experience translating plate-based assays into sensor-based, microfluidic, or point-of-care systems Experience with oligonucleotide-based assays, hybridization systems, or probe/reporter conjugates Experience with biosensors, electrochemical assays, fluorescence systems, or optical detection methods Experience working with low-abundance analytes or complex biological matrices Familiarity with assay statistics and experimental data analysis

PCR, DNA

array, or molecular diagnostics experience a plus Prior startup, consulting, or fast-paced R D experience preferred Experience contributing to early-stage technology development or platform feasibility efforts Candidate Profile We are looking for someone who: Operates with a high degree of independence and scientific ownership Can rapidly diagnose and troubleshoot complex experimental issues Is comfortable working in ambiguous, early-stage R D environments Can balance speed, rigor, and practical execution Enjoys building and improving imperfect first-generation assays Can move fluidly between projects and technical domains Communicates clearly, directly, and thoughtfully with internal and external teams Is comfortable defending experimental rationale and adapting strategy as new data emerges Thrives in a resource-constrained, highly iterative startup-style R D environment Compensation Competitive hourly consulting rate based on experience and technical depth Expected commitment of approximately 20 to 40 hours/week Initial 2-month contract with potential extension based on project needs and performance About Twenty Seven Labs Twenty Seven Labs (27L) is a multidisciplinary R D and consulting laboratory focused on biosensors, assay development, electrochemistry, diagnostics, surface chemistry, and microfluidic systems. We work across internal platform development and external client programs spanning early feasibility through experimental optimization and technology translation. The environment is highly collaborative, fast-moving, and execution-focused, with an emphasis on practical scientific problem-solving and rapid iteration.

Pay:

$35.00 - $65.00 per hour

Education:

Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

Assay development: 3 years (Required) Surface chemistry and immobilization: 1 year (Required) Wet lab: 1 year (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Hayward, CA 94545 (Required)

Work Location:

In person