Senior Research Scientist, Cell Biology & Single-Cell Genomics

Company Overview

Onyx is building a virtual immune system for faster and safer development of precision medicines. We generate rich, longitudinal multi-omics data in clinical context to deeply profile the progression of autoimmune diseases. As our biorepository grows, we apply advanced AI to immune data, using high-quality cell-based workflows to unlock new treatment and prevention strategies.

Join us to help build the technical backbone that powers AI-driven insights into immune-related disease.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist with deep expertise in cell biology and single-cell genomics to take ownership of developing and improving sample collection methodologies and executing our cell-based sample processing and multi-omics workflows.

This role reports to the CTO and serves as the technical lead for our cell-based sample processing and biobanking workflows. You will work hands-on at the bench while collaborating closely with the entire team to push the boundaries of what is possible in cell-based assays and to establish low-bias, validated datasets.

You’ll be both a hands-on experimentalist and an owner of method development, setting standards that will be used across current and future cohorts. This is an opportunity to shape the technical foundation of our biobank operations and directly impact the quality of data that powers our AI-driven approach to understanding immune-related diseases.

Key Responsibilities

Sample Collection & Biobanking

• Design, validate, and build blood and tissue collection kits (materials, documentation, shipping) for all collections.
• Refine SOPs for kit prep, sample collection, cold chain, receiving, and storage.
• Process clinical biospecimens (logging, aliquoting, labeling, storage) while maintaining full chain-of-custody and traceability.

Sample Processing & Single-Cell Genomics

• Own processing of whole blood and tissue (e.g., PBMC isolation, counting, viability, QC).
• Prepare samples for multi-omics assays (single-cell transcriptomics and other immune profiling assays).
• Execute and optimize 10x Genomics single-cell RNA-seq workflows (GEX, BCR, TCR) from sample prep through library generation.
• Troubleshoot and improve protocols to maximize data quality, robustness, and reproducibility; expand to new sample types and assay platforms.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate sample tracking and experimental documentation in Benchling and associated tracking systems.
• Analyze sample and library QC metrics to identify trends and drive systematic workflow improvements.
• Ensure sample metadata is complete and standardized for downstream computational analysis; contribute to internal reports and scientific presentations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD with 2 years, Master’s with 5 years, or Bachelor’s with 7 years of hands-on experience in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Strong experience with single-cell RNA-seq workflows, including hands-on work with 10x Genomics Chromium or comparable platforms (sample prep, library generation, QC).
• Demonstrated experience processing whole blood to high-quality viable cells (e.g., PBMCs, leukocytes, enriched subsets).
• Experience in clinical sample collection, biobanking, or GLP/GCLP environments.
• Proficiency with core cell biology techniques (cell culture, counting, viability).
• Proven ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex multi-step protocols.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a cross-functional team.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows.
• Experience designing and using internal controls or reference materials (e.g., spike-ins, technical standards) to monitor and correct for technical variability in cell-based assays (such as single-cell RNA-seq).
• Hands-on experience with multi-omics workflows (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics).
• Basic bioinformatics skills for single-cell RNA-seq data.
• Knowledge of immunology and autoimmune disease biology.
• Experience with automated liquid handling or laboratory robotics.
• Familiarity with Benchling and sample tracking systems; IATA/DOT shipping of biological materials.
• Prior experience in a startup or fast-paced research environment.

You’ll Thrive In This Role If You:

• Enjoy building and iterating on SOPs and end-to-end workflows.
• Are happiest at the bench but think deeply about data quality, bias, and reproducibility.
• Like owning complex processes rather than single experiments.
• Are energized by ambiguity and want your work to directly impact AI-driven discovery.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $120,000–$180,000, plus meaningful equity.
• Actual compensation is based on skills, experience, and role scope; most offers for qualified candidates fall toward the middle of this range.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible PTO policy.
• Professional development support.

Team Values

Why not us? Why not now?

• Can we do this today? We move fast and work hard because opportunities don’t wait.

By any means necessary

• Sometimes we need to will things into existence.

Discomfort signals growth.

• We embrace challenges and ambiguity—they show we're learning and evolving.

Own outcomes.

• Take proactive accountability; deliver without waiting to be asked.

Faster together.

• We move at the speed of in-person.

Equal Opportunity

Onyx is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.