Lead design and optimization of NGS workflows for Callisto; develop and troubleshoot assays, collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams.
ABOUT US:
Volta Labs is an applications company that is revolutionizing the future of genomics. We are a Boston based, venture-backed biotech startup that makes extracting vital information from biological samples is as simple as pressing a button, through our flagship product Callisto. Our product speeds up processing time for scientists and increases accessibility to important genetic information for patients. Sitting at the intersection of science and engineering, we invite you to join us on our journey to shape the future of genomics, where insatiable curiosity is encouraged and every Voltarian makes an impact.
THE TEAM:
You'll join a team of innovative thinkers who love to experiment, collaborate, and win together. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of automation, biology, computing, robotics, design, and user experience to benefit our customers and the world.
We’re looking for a Molecular Bioengineer to lead the design, optimization, and performance monitoring of NGS workflows on Callisto. This is a hands-on, high-impact role at the intersection of molecular biology, biochemistry, engineering, and automation with strong emphasis on application performance analytics and system reliability.
You’ll work closely with Systems Integration, R&D, Software, and Manufacturing team to build robust, reproducible protocols that customers rely on every day and continuously improve them through structured analysis of field performance data.
Day 1 to Year 1
- Design, optimize, and validate core NGS assay steps including enzymatic fragmentation, hybrid capture, size selection, and PCR-free workflows while defining measurable performance metrics for field reliability.
- Prototype new assay components rapidly to generate early biological data and analyze run logs, QC outputs, and workflow metrics to identify trends and failure modes.
- Troubleshoot biological QC deviations, size distribution discrepancies, and regional coverage biases as well as systemic workflow failures arising from software configuration, hardware behavior, or workflow logic.
- Contribute to standardization across Apps and help shape a unified architecture for workflow design including monitoring, logging, and performance tracking standards.
- Analyze App performance in real-world deployments to proactively identify regressions, reliability gaps, and systemic issues.
- Build monitoring tools, dashboards, scripts, or QC pipelines to track workflow performance over time.
- Generate clear data visualizations, summaries, and presentations to communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
Within 3 months you’ll…Ramp up on Callisto architecture, assay modules, and workflow constraints. Learn our cross-functional processes—requirements gathering, kit development, and productization flow. Take ownership of selected App workflows and begin designing experiments to refine protocol variants while evaluating performance data and identifying early failure modes.
Within 6 months you’ll…Fully own molecular workflow development across one or more NGS applications. Independently troubleshoot biology–automation interactions (fragmentation variability, GC bias, dropouts, bead handling issues). Propose improvements to assay design or platform capabilities and begin implementing mid-sized initiatives.
Within 12 months you’ll…Lead development of new workflow features and next-generation assay architectures. Influence long-term platform design decisions from the perspective of assay scalability, automation constraints and field reliability performance metrics. Act as a key contributor to roadmap planning and cross-functional prioritization.
Who You Are
- Master’s + 4 years OR PhD + 1 year in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related field.
- Strong hands-on experience with molecular workflows; NGS library prep experience strongly preferred with experience across multiple NGS workflows (e.g., WGS, targeted panels, RNA-seq, amplicon workflows) considered a plus.
- Skilled in experimental design, assay optimization, and troubleshooting complex molecular systems with demonstrated experience performing structured root-cause and failure mode analysis.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling or integrated systems.
- Experience with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, or similar sequencing platforms.
- Proficient in Python, R or similar languages for data analysis and workflow scripting and capable of building monitoring tools, dashboards, and performance visualizations.
- Effective communicator and collaborator across R&D, automation, software, and manufacturing teams.
- Excellent documentation habits; comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and presenting performance findings clearly using data visualization and structured reporting.
- Deep NGS library prep specialization.
- Experience with hardware integration or microcontrollers.
- Git/version control familiarity.
- Exposure to manufacturing transfer or high-scale assay development.
- Openness to leveraging LLMs for workflow development and analysis acceleration.
Nice to Have
This is a full-time position that requires a significant amount of in-person work and collaboration onsite at our Seaport Office in Boston, MA. If you are unable to relocate or commute to the Boston MA area, this role won't be a match.
Our Benefits and Perks:
• Robust Equity Program, to build future wealth through stock options with high growth potential
• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage, including Medical, Dental, & Vision
• HSA with monthly company contribution, & FSA
• Sponsored Commuter Benefit Plans
• Access to Our 401K Plan, to save for your future
• 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off, because we understand the importance of time off for rest and adventure
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Twice Weekly Company Lunches, office snacks, beverages, & treats
• Monthly Team Happy Hours and regular team outings!
We are an equal opportunity employer and foster diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, and we actively seek out and value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself positively contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of genomics!
Top Skills
Python
R
Volta Labs Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Office
Cambridge, MA, United States
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