Scientist (NGS Apps Sustainment & Support)

Scientist (NGS Apps Sustainment & Support)

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.

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 Scientist (NGS Apps Sustainment & Support) to own the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement 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, field reliability, and data-driven iteration.

You'll work closely with Systems Integration, R&D, Software, Manufacturing, and customer support teams to ensure that production workflows are robust, reproducible, and continuously improving based on real-world usage. You will play a key role in closing the loop between customer deployments and internal development by translating field insights into actionable improvements.

Day 1 to Year 1

• Own the performance and reliability of deployed NGS Apps, including workflows involving enzymatic fragmentation, hybrid capture, size selection, and PCR-free protocols, with clearly defined performance metrics.
• 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 dashboards, summaries, and presentations to communicate workflow performance to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.

Within 3 months you'll

Ramp up on Callisto architecture, assay modules, and workflow constraints. Learn cross-functional processes including requirements gathering, kit development, deployment, and support. Begin taking ownership of selected Apps by monitoring performance, investigating early issues, and designing targeted experiments to improve robustness.

Within 6 months you'll

Independently own the performance and sustainment of two or more NGS Apps in production. Troubleshoot workflow biochemistry (eg. fragment size variability, GC bias, AT/GC dropouts, bead handling issues) and broader system-level failures spanning biology, software, and hardware. Drive improvements to workflows through YAML-based updates, data analysis, and close collaboration with engineering and field teams.

Within 12 months you'll

Lead sustained improvements across multiple Apps, proactively identifying reliability gaps and driving initiatives to enhance performance at scale. Contribute to roadmap discussions by bringing insights from field performance and customer usage. Support the introduction of new features or workflow enhancements where they improve robustness, scalability, and user experience.

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.

Nice to Have

• Deep NGS library prep specialization.
• Git/version control familiarity.
• Exposure to manufacturing transfer or high-scale assay development.
• Openness to leveraging LLMs for workflow development and analysis acceleration.

$90,000 - $115,000 a year This range reflects the target compensation for this role across our U.S. locations. Actual pay will depend on experience, education, and skill level. We regularly review our pay practices to ensure equity and fairness.

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!