Molecular Biologist
- Location
- Redwood City, CA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Mid-level
- Listed
- 23 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- nucleic acid extraction
- qPCR
- sequencing library preparation
- sequencing quality control
Also useful
- nanopore sequencing
- metagenomics
About the Role
As a Molecular Biologist at Pilgrim, you’ll develop sample preparation, qPCR, and sequencing methods for ARGUS. You’ll design and run experiments to improve nucleic acid recovery, assay performance, and sequencing quality in complex environmental and low-input samples. You’ll turn those findings into validated protocols for reliable biological detection in the field.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize sample preparation methods, including lysis, nucleic acid extraction, purification, and concentration of environmental samples.
- Develop qPCR assays, including primer and probe selection, assay controls, and tests for inhibition and contamination.
- Optimize sequencing workflows, including library preparation, sequencing, and quality control for low-input and complex samples.
- Design and run controlled experiments to measure recovery, detection limits, specificity, and repeatability across sample types and input levels.
- Investigate unexpected findings with Bioinformatics, including contamination, preparation bias, and discrepancies between qPCR and sequencing results.
- Define reagent and handling requirements for validated methods and support their transfer to ARGUS with Systems Integration.
- Write and maintain protocols and experimental records, including method changes, reagent details, and results.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, or a related field. MS or PhD is a plus, not required.
- Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, sequencing library preparation, and sequencing quality control.
- Advanced command of standard wet-lab equipment, instrumentation, and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience writing reproducible protocols and transferring methods to other researchers or laboratory teams.
Preferred
- Experience with low-input or environmental samples, bioaerosols, metagenomics, or nanopore sequencing.
About Pilgrim
Pilgrim is building America’s biology prime - engineering, manufacturing, and deploying advanced biotechnology for defense and national security. Our primary platform, ARGUS, is a fully autonomous system for detecting biological threats in near real time, from naturally occurring pathogens to engineered agents.
We engineer hardware for biology, turning breakthrough science into fielded capabilities. Based in Redwood City, our team brings together mechanical and electrical engineering, chemistry, and biology under one roof to deliver critical technologies to the people who need them.
Pilgrim has raised over $30 million to date and is backed by Peter Thiel, Brian Armstrong, Fred Ehrsam, Dylan Field, and Bryan Johnson, alongside Buckley Ventures, Conviction, Cantos, and others.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Pilgrim is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Certain positions require access to export-controlled information and are limited to U.S. Persons as defined by applicable export control regulations.
From Pilgrim's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 17, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
Where is the Molecular Biologist job at Pilgrim located?
This Molecular Biologist position at Pilgrim is located in Redwood City, CA (On-site). Always check Pilgrim's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Molecular Biologist at Pilgrim?
For the Molecular Biologist role, Pilgrim highlights experience with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, sequencing library preparation, sequencing quality control. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Molecular Biologist position at Pilgrim?
This listing links directly to Pilgrim's Ashby application page. You can apply directly on Pilgrim's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Ashby application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.