Senior Biochemist

Advanced Point-of-Care Diagnostics Group About Intelligent Optical Systems Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) is a research-driven technology company developing optical sensing, test, and measurement solutions for government, industry, and academic customers. For more than 25 years, IOS has developed advanced biochemical sensors and instrumentation, with a growing focus on next‑generation point‑of‑care diagnostics, including lateral flow assays (LFAs). Our facilities are located in Gardena, California, near Los Angeles. Position Overview IOS is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist or Senior Engineer with hands‑on lateral flow assay development experience to help lead technical development within our Advanced Point‑of‑Care Diagnostics Group. This is a hands‑on R&D role focused on developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, validating, and maturing lateral flow and related point‑of‑care assays. The successful candidate should understand the practical details of LFA development, including biological reagent selection and conjugation, assay materials and chemistry, analytical performance, troubleshooting, and quantitative readout systems. The role will initially focus on advancing existing IOS technologies through assay optimization, analytical validation, clinical evaluation, and preparation for FDA 510(k) studies. The successful candidate will take ownership of assigned development activities, provide technical guidance to colleagues, and work closely with scientists, engineers, clinical collaborators, and external partners. Key Responsibilities Develop, optimize, troubleshoot, and mature lateral flow and related point‑of‑care diagnostic assays. Select and optimize antibodies, antigens, labels, conjugation methods, membranes, pads, buffers, blocking chemistries, and other assay components. Design and execute experiments to improve sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, reproducibility, stability, and robustness. Analyze experimental results and use data to guide assay‑development decisions. Plan and execute analytical validation studies and support clinical validation and regulatory preparation. Work with external partners to evaluate and mature optoelectronic readout instrumentation. Take ownership of assigned technical activities, establish experimental priorities, and identify development risks and solutions. Train and support colleagues in assay‑development theory, experimental techniques, and rigorous data organization. Maintain complete, accurate, organized, and accessible experimental records and project documentation. Prepare technical reports and communicate progress, challenges, and resource needs clearly. Contribute positively to laboratory organization, safety, shared equipment stewardship, and the overall working environment. Required Qualifications Demonstrated hands‑on experience developing and optimizing lateral flow assays. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a closely related field. Several years of directly relevant experience in lateral flow, immunoassay, point‑of‑care diagnostic, or related applied assay development. Experience developing and troubleshooting LFAs rather than solely using established commercial assays. Hands‑on experience with biological reagent selection, conjugation chemistry, lateral flow materials, buffers, blocking strategies, and related assay‑development techniques. Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, quantitative data analysis, and scientific interpretation skills. Strong organizational, documentation, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to work primarily on‑site at IOS facilities in Gardena, California. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required. Preferred Qualifications Experience advancing an LFA through analytical validation, clinical studies, product development, or regulatory preparation. Familiarity with FDA 510(k) pathways and diagnostic or medical‑device development practices. Experience with quantitative lateral flow assays, optical readers, cartridge design, manufacturability, or technology transfer. Experience working with human clinical samples or clinical collaborators. Experience providing technical leadership on government‑or industry‑funded R&D programs. Familiarity with SBIR/STTR programs, technical proposals, intellectual property, or technology commercialization. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $95,000–$125,000 , commensurate with experience and directly relevant lateral flow assay development expertise Competitive medical and dental insurance Paid vacation and holidays Equal Opportunity Employer IOS is an equal opportunity & affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. IOS makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. #J-18808-Ljbffr Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.