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Sequencing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SRA 1

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$41.50 - $52/hr

The group has developed innovative experimental models and utilizes advanced sequencing techniques. Your primary responsibilities will involve validating research findings, conducting functional ...

New Product Scientist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Sequencing information

What is sequencing?

Sequencing in a job context typically refers to the process of determining the order in which tasks, operations, or steps are performed, especially in fields like laboratory science, manufacturing, or project management. In genomics, sequencing specifically involves determining the precise order of nucleotides in DNA or RNA. Professionals working in sequencing roles may operate specialized equipment, analyze data, and ensure quality control. Sequencing is crucial for research, diagnostics, and production efficiency, depending on the industry. Mastery of sequencing techniques and attention to detail are important skills for these positions.

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

To thrive as a Sequencing Technician, you need a solid background in molecular biology, laboratory techniques, and a relevant degree such as biology or biotechnology. Familiarity with DNA sequencing platforms (like Illumina or Oxford Nanopore), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications in laboratory safety are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set outstanding technicians apart. These competencies ensure accurate sequencing results, maintain laboratory efficiency, and support critical research or diagnostic projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sequencing labs, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in sequencing labs often encounter challenges such as maintaining sample integrity, managing large datasets, and troubleshooting instrument malfunctions. To address these, it's important to follow strict protocols for sample handling, stay organized with data management tools, and proactively perform routine equipment maintenance. Collaboration with bioinformaticians and other lab members is also key, as it helps in troubleshooting and optimizing workflows. Ongoing training and staying updated with advances in sequencing technology can further help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Sequencing vs DNA Analysis?

AspectSequencingDNA Analysis
Required CredentialsLaboratory certifications, molecular biology trainingLaboratory certifications, molecular biology training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesLaboratories, research facilities
Industry UsageGenomics, medical research, biotechGenomics, forensic science, medical diagnostics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Sequencing involves determining the exact order of nucleotides in DNA, while DNA analysis encompasses various techniques to interpret and compare DNA sequences. Both roles require similar credentials and are used in comparable environments within genomics and biotech industries. Sequencing is a specific process within the broader scope of DNA analysis, making them closely related but distinct in focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Sequencing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sequencing job openings:

Infographic showing various Sequencing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

ML Scientist I/II, Nucleic Acid Design

Lila Sciences

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Your Impact at LILA

Lila Sciences is seeking an ML Scientist I/II, Nucleic Acid Design to advance RNA and DNA sequence design. This scientist will develop models and design strategies for understanding and engineering nucleic acid sequences, including problems such as 3' UTR optimization, 5' UTR optimization, CDS optimization, and promoter / enhancer design.

You'll work at the intersection of machine learning, sequence modeling, experimental design, and platform development. The work spans both applied design campaigns and building next-generation models that improve how Lila generates, evaluates, and learns from nucleic acid sequence-function data.

The ideal candidate brings strong ML judgment, curiosity about biological mechanisms, and enthusiasm for areas such as regulatory genomics, RNA biology, and sequence-to-function modeling. You'll collaborate with experimental scientists, ML researchers, and platform teams to build models that connect nucleic acid sequence design to biological function and make these capabilities usable across Lila's autonomous science platform.

What You'll Be Building

  • Build ML models for RNA and DNA sequence design across regulatory and coding sequence contexts.
  • Develop methods spanning de novo generation, sequence property prediction, diverse set selection for experimental validation, and active learning strategies.
  • Deeply investigate the biological mechanisms of designed sequences and propose hypotheses about why they succeed or fail. Turn these insights into better models and future design principles.
  • Partner with experimental scientists to propose informative assays, validation strategies, and learning loops.
  • Collaborate with ML scientists and engineers across Lila to integrate nucleic acid design models into robust platforms and agent-driven frameworks.
  • Stay current with research in nucleic acid biology, sequence design, and scientific ML, and share research findings externally through papers or blog posts.

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning, computational biology, bioengineering, computer science, statistics, or a related quantitative field.
  • Hands-on experience building, training, and evaluating ML models for DNA or RNA.
  • Strong foundation in modern ML methods, with practical experience using frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience developing models for sequence design, sequence-function prediction, generative modeling, or active learning.
  • Ability to reason about complex biological systems, scope ambiguous scientific problems, and formulate ML approaches that address difficult sequence-function challenges.
  • Curiosity about nucleic acid biology, including RNA biology, regulatory genomics, or related sequence-to-function problems.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a preference for team-based science and the ability to build shared technical direction across ML, engineering, platform, and experimental teams.

Bonus Points For

  • Experience with regulatory element design, sequence-to-expression DNA models, or models trained on genomic, MPRA, STARR-seq, or related functional genomics data.
  • Experience with RNA sequence-function modeling, RNA secondary structure modeling, UTR design, or inverse design methods for RNA sequences.
  • Experience with sequence design in applied therapeutic contexts.
  • Experience collaborating with wet-lab teams to close the design-test-learn loop, including assay design, experimental prioritization, and interpretation of validation data.
  • Familiarity with high-throughput experimental datasets, pooled screens, reporter assays, or other sequence-function measurements.
  • Industry experience translating ML research into practical biological design workflows, experimental campaigns, or platform capabilities.