Associate Scientist II

About Perimeter

Perimeter builds for resilience in an era of accelerating biological risk. Our end-to-end biosecurity infrastructure platform spans detection, characterization, forecasting, and response — powered by frontier AI and deployed across airports, hospitals, wastewater systems, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Perimeter's infrastructure maps the biological landscape, transforming biological data into biointelligence, enabling decisive response as soon as a threat emerges.

Website URL: https://www.perimeter.bio/

About the Role

Please note: The standard schedule for this role is 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Applicants must be flexible and open to work some holidays as needed.

As an Engineer II, you will support biosecurity initiatives by executing and scaling DNA and RNA sequencing workflows, including viral whole genome sequencing (WGS). You will help drive production-grade lab operations from sample intake through sequencing and data delivery, ensuring reliability, speed, and consistent quality across runs.

You will work closely with a cross-functional team of scientists, bioinformaticians, and engineers to improve workflows, troubleshoot issues, and implement best-in-class laboratory practices. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is motivated to build and scale systems that deliver real-world impact in biosecurity.

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs to perform sequencing workflows, including targeted sequencing of viral genomes for the Perimeter platform.
• Deliver high-quality sequencing results on time.
• Keep current on latest developments and new SOPs by contributing to process improvement and SOP revision as well as participating in automation efforts.
• Assist in developing and operating new sequencing workflows for Perimeter across multiple NGS platforms.
• Contribute to a large team effort by participating in weekly stand-ups and quality meetings.
• Expand your abilities and the team’s capabilities by learning new skills.
• Maintain Perimeter’s high standards for quality by maintaining laboratory notebooks, monitoring Quality Control results, and taking corrective action when necessary.
• Demonstrate excellence by troubleshooting issues and maintaining our high standards for quality.
• Be a team player by participating in general laboratory maintenance and other laboratory duties.

Minimum Requirements

• BS/MS in a relevant field of biological sciences and a minimum of 2 years experience.
• Experience with sequencing library preparation and quality control.
• Experience with RNA sequencing applications.
• Experience with PCR.
• Experience with LIMS.
• Familiarity with high-throughput automation.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn in a rapidly changing, growing organization.

Preferred Capabilities & Experience

• Experience with at least one of the following sequencing platforms: Illumina, Aviti, or Oxford Nanopore.
• Experience with DNA and RNA extraction is a plus.
• Experience with qPCR / RT-qPCR troubleshooting is a plus.