Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Assay Development

About Us

SiPhox Health is building a first-of-its-kind consumer diagnostics platform that brings complex biochemical analyses into the home through integrated silicon photonics, microfluidics, embedded systems, and advanced assay development. Our chip-based solution integrates state-of-the-art biochemistry, photonics, electronics, and microfluidics to deliver the power of large laboratory instruments in a portable device.

The role

We are hiring two hands-on team members to support the Assay Development team in building the immunoassays that run on our silicon photonic chips. This role sits within the Assay Development team, and your primary responsibility is assisting its engineers and scientists as they develop and validate new assays. It is a bench role for someone who enjoys optimizing assays and figuring out why they misbehave. Each role will be leveled as Research Associate or Associate Scientist based on experience.

What You'll Do

• Support the Assay Development team in developing and optimizing immunoassays, from early reagent selection through formulation
• Support incoming quality control of critical assay reagents, including analytical characterization and functional qualification against established references
• Work with human clinical samples and troubleshoot assay performance issues in complex matrices
• Support analytical performance studies to characterize and verify assay performance
• Analyze experimental data, investigate failed or out-of-spec results, and explain what the data means, not just what it says
• Support day-to-day lab operations, including inventory, equipment maintenance, and lab organization and safety
• Support transfer of robust, scalable assays to process development and manufacturing
• Document experiments, write reports, and maintain audit-ready records

What We're Looking For

• BS or MS in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biology, or a related field

• 2+ years of hands-on immunoassay development (ELISA, bead-based, lateral flow, or automated platforms)

• Solid troubleshooting instincts: forming a hypothesis, isolating a variable, testing it

• Working knowledge of statistics for assessing assay performance

• Clear technical writing. A large part of this job is making your work legible to other people

• Data literacy. Comfortable analyzing data in Excel, JMP, Python, or R

• AI forward, you understand how to use AI tools effectively in your workflow as well as their limitations

Nice to have

• IVD experience under design controls or ISO 13485, and familiarity with CLSI guidelines

• Experience with incoming inspection or reagent lot release under a quality system

• Point-of-care or at-home diagnostics experience

• Clinical lab background (MLS/MT ASCP)

• SPR or BLI experience

• Experience with liquid handlers or lab automation

Employment Details

Department: Assay Development

Work location: Burlington, MA (on-site)

Salary Range: $70,000 – $120,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits

• 401K

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account

• Health Flexible Savings Account

• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Parental Leave

• Long Term Disability

• Equity

• Gym Membership (Lifetime Fitness — one block from the office)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

• Ability to do dexterous tasks with hands, e.g. pipetting and routine bench work.

• This role involves physical activity and routine handling of chemicals. Candidates must adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and be comfortable using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• This role involves handling human blood and serum samples under BSL-2 practices.

Who Thrives Here

This role is a strong fit for someone who takes ownership without being asked, is energized by variety rather than routine. The ideal candidate is a hands-on contributor who documents their work, communicates clearly with the Assay Development team, and takes pride in the quality of every assay they help develop.

Why Join SiPhox Health

• Help bring a first-of-its-kind at-home diagnostics platform to market.

• Work alongside multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams solving complex technical challenges.

• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits (including Lifetime Fitness membership).

Equal Opportunity Employer

SiPhox Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.