Staff Scientist, Computational Protein Engineering

Company Overview

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. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Advancing our enzyme engineering platform, driving the rational design and directed evolution of NGS (e.g., polymerases, helicases, ligases) related enzymes for optimal activity and specificity
• Develop and implement strategies for rational protein design and directed evolution, utilizing computational tools (e.g., Rosetta, AlphaFold) to predict structure-function relationships
• Establish high-throughput screenings, design and analyze large-scale combinatorial libraries to identify high-activity/high-specificity variants. Integrate bioinformatics pipelines to map genotype-phenotype linkages and utilize machine learning models to predict optimal sequence mutations.
• Utilize structural biology insights (X-ray crystallography) to identify and modify key DNA/Protein interaction residues.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues and internal experts across different teams in a highly cross-functional setting and ensure that data-driven insights are effectively translated into actionable sequencing performance improvements
• Contribute to intellectual property and publications
• Lead and execute high-quality, hypothesis-driven, and screening-based original research. Drive these projects to early feasibility and proof of concept decision points for potential integration into novel DNA sequencing pipelines

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency with modern structure prediction and design tools such as Rosetta, RFdiffusion, proteinMPNN, Boltz2, AlphaFold
• Experience with enzyme engineering, library design, and directed evolution strategies
• Programming skills (Python, R, or similar)
• Familiarity with ML/AI in protein design (e.g., protein language models)
• Understanding of sequencing technologies and enzymology
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to translate computational insights into experimental hypotheses

Education & Industry Experience

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, or related field
• 7 years of industry experience in protein engineering
• Experience in biotech/genomics preferred

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

Benefits & Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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

We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 – $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.