Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist – NGS & Translational Genomics

About AcroCyte Therapeutics

AcroCyte Therapeutics is closing the gap between laboratory models and patient-specific medicine. Our core technology, the R³CE® platform, is an easy-to-use, FDA-designated Class I, scaffold-free system that rapidly expands minimal patient specimens—like circulating tumor cells, needle biopsies and frozen tissues—into functional 3D organoids in days. This breakthrough powers our commercial Onco-REAL™ clinical service, which provides comprehensive functional analysis from liquid biopsies for timely oncology decisions, while our autologous cell therapy pipeline aims to transform a patient’s own cells into curative solutions. We empower academic, clinical, and industry partners worldwide to leverage the R³CE® platform for novel drug discovery, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine, providing a foundational technology limited only by imagination. AcroCyte is driving a revolution to make these advanced platforms a routine part of clinical practice—accessible, affordable, and impactful for patients worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to lead our NGS and genomics capabilities in a fast-paced startup environment. This role sits at the interface of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational research, and will play a critical role in shaping experimental strategy, platform development, and data-driven decision-making.

As a Senior/Principal Scientist, you will own end-to-end sequencing workflows, from experimental design through data interpretation, and apply these insights to advance next-generation therapies and platform technologies. This is a high-impact, hands-on role requiring both deep technical expertise and the ability to operate independently with minimal structure.

This is a full-time position at AcroCyte Therapeutics in San Carlos, CA.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of NGS-based assays, including:
• DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and PCR amplification
• Whole exome sequencing (WES), bulk RNA-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq)
• Establish and scale robust, reproducible workflows suitable for translational and preclinical applications
• Troubleshoot complex experimental and technical challenges across sample types (e.g., tissue, liquid biopsy, engineered models)

Bioinformatics Integration

• Drive analysis and interpretation of sequencing datasets, including:
• Variant analysis, gene expression profiling, pathway analysis
• Single-cell data processing (clustering, annotation, trajectory analysis)
• Either directly perform analyses or oversee pipeline development in R/Python
• Integrate multi-modal datasets to generate actionable biological insights

Platform & Translational Impact

• Apply genomics approaches to:
• Biomarker discovery and cell profiling
• Mechanism-of-action and therapeutic response
• Contribute to integration of next-generation platforms with:
• Circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies and liquid biopsy
• Advanced 3D cell culture systems (organoids, spheroids, tissue models)

Startup Leadership & Ownership

• Operate with high autonomy and accountability, owning projects from concept to deliverables
• Build and refine internal capabilities, SOPs, and best practices
• Serve as a scientific thought partner to leadership on strategy and prioritization
• Mentor junior scientists and help build a high-performing team

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Bioinformatics, or related field
• 5–10+ years of relevant experience (industry or postdoc; principal scientist level typically 8+)
• Deep expertise in:
• NGS workflows (DNA/RNA prep, library preparation, sequencing technologies)
• PCR and assay optimization
• WES, RNA-seq, and scRNA-seq
• Bioinformatics analysis and data interpretation
• Proficiency in R, Python, or equivalent tools for genomics analysis
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex experiments

Preferred

• Experience with:
• Circulating tumor cells (CTC), liquid biopsy, or minimal residual disease assays, or clinical NGS diagnostic development (including exposure to CLIA/CAP workflows)
• 3D cell culture systems (organoids, spheroids, tissue models)
• Multi-omics integration (e.g., scRNA + ATAC, spatial omics)
• Prior experience in a highly dynamic environment
• Track record of publications, patents, or successful program delivery

What We’re Looking For

• Builder mindset: excited to create new capabilities from the ground up
• Hands-on leader: equally comfortable at the bench and in data analysis
• High ownership: takes responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks
• Comfort with ambiguity: thrives in evolving priorities and open-ended problems
• Strong communicator: can translate complex data into clear decisions