Associate Director, Flow Cell and Surface Chemistry Research

Role Summary

Associate Director, Flow Cell and Surface Chemistry Research at Nautilus, based in San Carlos, CA. Provide scientific and technical leadership for flow cell and surface chemistry initiatives, overseeing a multidisciplinary team from early-stage research through proof of concept and ensuring alignment with company objectives. Drive strategic direction in nanofabrication, surface modification, and flowcell assembly, while promoting operational excellence across platform development.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel approaches to surface passivation and bioconjugation in the context of a single molecule, optical proteomic assay.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership on novel flowcell and surface chemistry related projects; guide team from early-stage research through proof of concept on platform.
• Set the strategic direction for nanofabrication, surface modification, and flowcell assembly—ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Oversee the development and validation of analytical and functional methods for characterizing chip patterning and surface chemistry processes.
• Ensure robust process validation and the implementation of analytical quality control (QC) methods for all stages of the surface modification process.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration with scientists, engineers, and operations teams, driving continuous improvement and innovation across all related processes.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team, providing guidance, training, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD and 6+ years of industrial experience, or BS and 12+ years of industrial experience.
• Preferred: Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Surface Science, Polymer Chemistry, or related scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Required: Experience with optical single molecule assays.
• Required: Experience with metal oxide passivation and broad knowledge of bioconjugation techniques.
• Required: Prior experience supporting a commercial product line with a critical surface chemistry component.
• Required: Familiarity with strategies and methods for device qualification, functional testing, and failure analysis in low and high-volume environments.
• Required: Working knowledge of surface characterization techniques such as ellipsometry, XPS, AFM, fluorescence microscopy, etc.
• Preferred: A basic knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry.