Senior Scientist, Functional Genomics

About Psomagen

Psomagen, Inc. is a leading provider of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multi-omics services headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. We are pioneering a new era of service by adopting the revolutionary Cellanome R3200 platform, which integrates longitudinal live-cell imaging with single-cell genomics. This strategic initiative will empower researchers to link dynamic cellular phenotypes directly to genotypes, accelerating discoveries in drug resistance, CRISPR screening, and cell therapy.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Senior Scientist to serve as the Technical Lead for our new Functional Genomics facility.

This is a pivotal role for an accomplished cell biologist who thrives at the intersection of wet-lab experimentation and cutting-edge technology. You will be the primary owner of the Cellanome R3200 platform, responsible for everything from initial lab setup and instrument qualification to the execution of complex client projects.

You will focus on the upstream cellular workflows (cell culture, imaging, on-chip lysis) and will hand off downstream samples to our dedicated NGS team. Additionally, you will play a key role in the primary analysis and interpretation of multi-modal data generated by the R3200, ensuring data quality and delivering actionable insights to clients.

This role is an on-site position in Rockville, MD

Key Responsibilities 

1. Platform Operations & Lab Management (Primary Ownership)

• Facility Setup: Lead the establishment of the new BSL-2 functional genomics suite, including the installation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of the R3200 platform and ancillary equipment (CO2 incubators, microscopes, centrifuges).
• Instrument Operation: Serve as the primary operator of the R3200, mastering its automated microfluidics and imaging systems.
• Inventory & Logistics: Manage inventory for critical reagents (e.g., hydrogels, antibodies) and cell lines to ensure uninterrupted service operations.

2. Project Execution & Scientific Delivery

• End-to-End Workflow: Execute project lifecycles focusing on cellular analysis: from cell thawing/culture, drug treatment, and live-cell imaging on the R3200, to on-chip lysis and cDNA elution.
• Sample Hand-off: Ensure eluted samples meet stringent quality criteria before transferring them to the internal NGS core for library preparation and sequencing.
• Data Review & QC: Perform primary quality control on imaging data and preliminary analysis of linked genomic results to validate experimental success before final delivery.
• Troubleshooting: Proactively identify and resolve technical issues during experiments; communicate with Cellanome support engineers for complex hardware/software troubleshooting.

3. Technical Collaboration & Client Support

• Tech Transfer: Travel to Cellanome HQ (or host their FAS) for initial intensive training; continuously update internal protocols based on new feature releases.
• Client Consultation: Support the Business Development Director by providing technical feasibility assessments. Participate in scientific discussions with clients to interpret data and suggest next steps.
• Content Creation: Author and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Contribute experimental data and technical insights for white papers, application notes, and conference posters.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field (or M.S. with 5+ years of exceptional relevant experience).
• Cell Culture Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (BSL-2) is essential. Must be proficient in handling sensitive primary cells, transfection/transduction, and clonal expansion.
• Instrument Proficiency: Experience operating complex automated liquid handling systems, high-content screening (HCS) imagers, or microfluidic single-cell platforms (e.g., 10x Genomics, FACS).
• NGS Knowledge: Basic understanding of NGS workflows and sample quality requirements (QC) for successful sequencing, to ensure seamless hand-off to the NGS team.
• Adaptability: Ability to learn new proprietary software and hardware interfaces quickly. Willingness to travel for initial training.

Preferred:

• Data Analysis Skills: Experience with biological data analysis tools (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji for imaging, basic R/Python for genomics visualization) or software like CellProfiler, FlowJo, or Loupe Browser.
• Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation (RNA-seq, amplicon-seq).
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 screening workflows or drug dose-response assays.
• Previous experience in a CRO or core facility environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Bilingual in Korean and English is preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package with performance-based bonus plan.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Career Growth: Opportunity to build and lead a new specialized team as the service volume grows.
• Innovation: Direct access to the world's first multi-modal functional genomics platform and the chance to publish/present novel applications.

Target Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000. Salary is determined within this range based on the qualifications. 

 As an EEO/AA employer, the organization will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people. 

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