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Dna Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a New Product Scientist, you will help define what DNA sequencing looks like next. Your work will create entirely new capabilities for customers, opening new applications, expanding our product ...

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Dna information

See California salary details

$35K

$78.8K

$111K

How much do dna jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for dna in California is $78,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DNA analyst?

DNA analysts are professionals who specialize in examining and interpreting DNA evidence, often in forensic laboratories. Their main responsibility is to extract, analyze, and compare genetic material from biological samples such as blood, hair, or saliva. DNA analysts play a crucial role in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identifying remains. They use advanced laboratory equipment and techniques to ensure accurate results, and their findings can be used as evidence in legal cases.

What are careers that work with DNA?

Careers that work with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typically fall into two categories: research and manufacturing. Research jobs often focus on studies like how genetics impact vulnerability to diseases while manufacturing roles help to create samples for testing and examining how changes to DNA impact organisms. In this field, your responsibilities may include working to analyze samples from humans, animals, or plants, testing a variety of chemicals and medicines, or helping people understand their ancestry and biological relationships. DNA jobs also include adhering to a professional code of ethics and confidentiality. Many DNA-focused positions are found in the criminal justice field, such as victim identification, and the industry in which you work has a significant impact on how you use DNA on a day-to-day basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DNA analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DNA analyst, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a degree in biology or forensic science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR machines, and DNA sequencing tools is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication are vital soft skills for interpreting results and compiling clear reports. These skills ensure the accuracy and reliability of DNA analysis, which is critical for research, clinical, or forensic applications.

What are some common challenges faced by DNA analysts when working in a forensic laboratory setting?

DNA analysts in forensic laboratories often encounter challenges such as handling degraded or limited biological samples, maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols, and adhering to rigorous quality assurance standards. They must also stay updated with rapidly evolving technologies and ensure that their findings are communicated clearly to law enforcement and, occasionally, in court. Collaboration with other forensic experts and law enforcement professionals is frequent, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills.

What is the difference between Dna vs Genetic Counselor?

AspectDnaGenetic Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in biology, genetics, or related field; certifications varyMaster's degree in genetics, counseling, or related field; certification (e.g., ABGC)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, hospitalsClinics, hospitals, counseling centers
Industry UsageResearch, diagnostics, biotechHealthcare, patient counseling
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles in genetics and researchCompared for patient interaction and counseling roles

While Dna professionals focus on genetic research, analysis, and laboratory work, Genetic Counselors specialize in communicating genetic information to patients and providing counseling. Both roles require a background in genetics but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as a DNA analyst?

Securing a job as a DNA analyst typically requires a relevant degree in biology, genetics, or a related field, along with laboratory skills and experience with DNA analysis tools such as PCR and sequencing. Competition can be high, and certifications or advanced degrees may improve job prospects, but entry-level positions are available for qualified candidates.

What careers involve working with DNA?

Careers involving working with DNA include geneticists, molecular biologists, forensic scientists, and biomedical researchers. These roles often require skills in laboratory techniques, DNA analysis, and understanding of genetics, with work typically conducted in research labs, hospitals, or forensic laboratories.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dna jobs in California?

The most popular types of Dna jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Dna jobs in California?

For Dna jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dna jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dna jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Dna jobs?

Cities in California with the most Dna job openings:

Infographic showing various Dna job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,799 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

New Product Scientist | DNA

Plasmidsaurus

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Plasmidsaurus

Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.

We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.

Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world’s most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.

Role Overview

R&D is the engine behind Plasmidsaurus's long-term growth. As a New Product Scientist, you will help define what DNA sequencing looks like next. Your work will create entirely new capabilities for customers, opening new applications, expanding our product portfolio, and shaping how scientists use sequencing to solve problems.

This is a highly autonomous product development role for a scientist who wants to build, not maintain. You will identify promising opportunities, design and test new approaches, and turn successful concepts into scalable products. The path from idea to customer impact is short, and the best ideas can quickly become products used by scientists around the world.

We're looking for someone who is excited by unanswered questions, moves quickly from hypothesis to experiment, and wants to contribute directly to the technologies that drive Plasmidsaurus' next phase of growth.

What You'll Do Develop New DNA Sequencing Products
  • Identify and evaluate new DNA sequencing opportunities through literature review, market analysis, and original scientific insight.

  • Design and execute experiments to assess technical feasibility and sequencing performance.

  • Develop and validate new library preparation methods that expand the Plasmidsaurus DNA sequencing portfolio.

Scale and Productize
  • Determine which methods can be translated into scalable, automated production processes.

  • Advance successful concepts from proof-of-concept through scaled production-ready workflows.

  • Contribute expertise that helps shape Plasmidsaurus’ product launch process.

Collaborate Across the Business
  • Partner with Product, Bioinformatics, Production, Automation, Commercial, Platform, Custom, Marketing, UI/UX, and Website teams to bring new products to market.

  • Guide the work of research associates and laboratory technicians when needed.

  • Share product development insights that improve decision-making across the R&D organization.

Expected Outcomes First 3 Months
  • Identify and prioritize promising new DNA sequencing opportunities within the first two weeks.

  • Demonstrate successful sequencing using a new approach within the first four weeks.

  • Establish a clear path toward a scalable product within seven weeks.

  • Begin scaling a validated workflow within ten weeks.

  • Build strong working relationships with key cross-functional partners.

First 6 Months
  • Advance multiple DNA sequencing concepts through development and validation.

  • Contribute to at least one product launch or product-ready workflow.

  • Demonstrate a repeatable process for evaluating and prioritizing new technical opportunities.

  • Influence product development decisions through technical expertise and scientific judgment.

First Year
  • Launch new DNA sequencing products that expand the portfolio.

  • Generate measurable customer adoption and revenue from newly launched products.

  • Increase customer stickiness through differentiated DNA sequencing capabilities.

  • Raise the effectiveness of the broader R&D team through stronger product and process development practices.

What You'll Bring
  • Ideally a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. If not a PhD, you should have an undergraduate or advanced degree combined with meaningful industry experience with relevant roles and technology.

  • 5-10 years of industry experience, depending on relevance of roles and education

  • Strong molecular biology and assay development expertise.

  • Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new molecular biology workflows.

  • Experience launching products, processes, or scientific technologies.

  • Excellent bench-level laboratory skills.

  • Experience programming for data analysis or laboratory instrumentation is a strong plus

  • Experience guiding the work of others, including research associates or laboratory technicians.

  • Experience in sequencing, reagent development, scientific services, or related biotechnology environments.

  • Experience at organizations such as sequencing service providers, reagent companies, or similar R&D-focused biotechnology organizations is strongly preferred.

Ways of Working

Build

  • Think from first principles to uncover the underlying problem and develop complete solutions.

  • Pursue novel approaches and challenge conventional assumptions when building new products.

Own

  • Take responsibility for outcomes and drive work independently.

  • Maintain clear priorities and focus effort on the highest-impact opportunities.

Move

  • Test ideas quickly, make decisions with available information, and learn through execution.

  • Balance scientific rigor with urgency to advance promising opportunities.

Participate

  • Collaborate openly across functions.

  • Share ideas early, contribute to healthy debate, and incorporate feedback to strengthen outcomes.

Inspire

  • Raise the standard of scientific thinking and product development within R&D.

  • Contribute to a high-performance environment by bringing expertise, curiosity, and strong execution.

This role is onsite in our South San Francisco, CA headquarters and will require ~10% travel

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com.

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