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Onyx Bio · 1 month ago

Senior Research Scientist, Cell Biology & Single-Cell Genomics

Berkeley, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$120K/yr - $180K/yr

5+ years exp

Onyx Bio is building a virtual immune system for faster and safer development of precision medicines. They are seeking a Senior Research Scientist with expertise in cell biology and single-cell genomics to develop sample collection methodologies and oversee cell-based workflows.

Biotechnology

Hiring Manager

Amit Lakhani

Responsibilities

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

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

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

Qualification

Single-cell RNA-seqCell biology techniquesSample processingBiobanking experience10x GenomicsMulti-omics workflowsTroubleshooting protocolsAttention to detailOrganizational skillsCollaboration skills

Required

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

Preferred

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