Research Scientist Electrochemical Biosensors & Assay Development

Research Scientist - Electrochemical Biosensors & Assay Development Twenty Seven Labs Hayward, CA Job Details Part-time | Contract $35 - $65 an hour 23 hours ago Qualifications Research design Doctoral degree Electrochemistry Doctor of Philosophy Experimental design Research data analysis 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 hrs/week, with potential to increase based on project needs

Start Date:

July 2026

Initial Term:

2-month contract with potential extension About the Role Twenty Seven Labs (27L) is seeking a highly independent and hands-on Electrochemist Consultant to support the development of electrochemical biosensors for nucleic acid and immunoassay-based detection systems. This role is focused on rapid experimental iteration, electrochemical assay development, troubleshooting, and sensor optimization across both client and internal R D programs. The ideal candidate has deep experience in electrochemical methods, biosensor assay development, surface chemistry, and electrochemical troubleshooting, with the ability to independently execute experiments, interpret complex data, and diagnose root causes of sensor or assay performance issues. We are specifically looking for someone who combines strong bench execution with scientific judgment, practical troubleshooting ability, and clear technical communication. The role requires comfort working in fast-moving, early-stage R D environments where priorities and experimental directions may evolve quickly. This role is expected to contribute not only to experimental execution but also to scientific direction, assay optimization strategy, and technical problem-solving across multiple evolving projects. This is an on-site laboratory role based in Hayward, CA. Responsibilities Independently design, execute, analyze, and optimize electrochemical biosensor experiments across multiple projects Develop, run, and troubleshoot electrochemical assays including cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Develop and optimize electrochemical detection workflows for immunoassays and nucleic acid-based assays Prepare and functionalize electrode surfaces, including SAM formation, surface activation, immobilization layers, coatings, and blocking strategies Support conjugation and immobilization workflows involving antibodies, proteins, oligonucleotides, enzymes, particles, or related biomolecules Work with electroactive mediator systems and redox chemistries commonly used in biosensing applications Develop and troubleshoot assays involving screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), gold electrodes, or microfabricated sensor platforms Investigate sources of signal instability, drift, saturation, variability, poor reproducibility, or non-specific binding and propose practical solutions Prepare assay reagents, buffers, blockers, calibrants, controls, and intermediate stock solutions Analyze assay performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, dynamic range, signal-to-background performance, reproducibility, and stability Generate concise technical summaries including experimental rationale, electrochemical interpretation, troubleshooting observations, and recommended next steps Present technical findings and electrochemical interpretations clearly during internal and client-facing discussions Maintain organized, reproducible, and well-documented laboratory records 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 required in Electrochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline 3+ years of hands-on experience in electrochemical biosensors, electroanalytical chemistry, or electrochemical assay development Strong proficiency with CV, SWV, DPV, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical data interpretation Familiarity with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and equivalent circuit analysis preferred Experience with biosensor surface chemistry, protein immobilization, SAMs, electrode functionalization, and assay surface preparation Experience integrating biological assays with electrochemical detection systems Experience with oligonucleotide handling, probe immobilization, hybridization workflows, or reporter-based electrochemical assays Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experiments with minimal supervision Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills related to electrochemical systems and assay variability Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to clearly communicate complex electrochemical 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 with electrochemical biosensors for immunoassays or nucleic acid detection Experience with oligonucleotide-based assays, probe conjugates, hybridization systems, or reporter-tag workflows Experience with various electroactive mediator systems Experience translating ELISA or optical assays into electrochemical readout systems Experience working with screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), flexible electronics, or microfabricated sensor platforms Familiarity with low-current measurements, signal stability challenges, and electrochemical instrumentation troubleshooting Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, Origin, or equivalent scientific analysis software Prior startup, consulting, or fast-paced R D experience preferred Experience contributing to early-stage biosensor feasibility or platform development 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 electrochemical and assay-related 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 sensor systems 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 hrs/week, with potential to increase based on project needs 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, electrochemistry, assay development, diagnostics, surface chemistry, and microfluidic systems. We work across internal platform development and external client programs, spanning early feasibility, 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) Ability to

Commute:

Hayward, CA 94545 (Required)

Work Location:

In person