Procurement Specialist

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R\&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

About The Job

We are seeking a Procurement Specialist to own purchasing end-to-end in a fast-paced, rapidly growing environment. You will be the single point of contact between our scientific and operations teams and the vendors who supply them — sourcing quotes, negotiating terms, placing orders, and making sure reagents, consumables, and equipment arrive on time and in good condition. Because we are an early-stage company, the role extends past the purchase order: you will also run receiving and inventory for the site, and build the purchasing processes Sarmal will rely on as it scales.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement \& Purchasing

• Own the full requisition-to-order cycle: intake and verify requests from R\&D, Lab Operations, Facilities, and G\&A obtain quotes; issue and track purchase orders; process approved requisitions within one business day.
• Source competitive pricing across distributors and direct manufacturers; run RFQs and negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Track open orders and expedite backorders, allocations, and delayed shipments before they become bench-level problems.
• Partner with Finance on PO-to-invoice matching and resolution of match exceptions, quantity discrepancies, and billing errors; maintain purchasing records and provide spend reporting to Operations and Finance.
• Support capital equipment purchases, including quote comparison, service contract tracking, and coordination of delivery and installation.
• Identify cost savings through consolidation, contract pricing, standing orders, and alternate sourcing.

Vendor \& Supplier Management

• Own the vendor master list — contacts, account numbers, pricing agreements, payment terms, and preferred-supplier designations — and onboard new vendors, including W-9s, insurance certificates, and routing of agreements for review and signature.
• Serve as day-to-day point of contact for supplier representatives; coordinate vendor visits and product demonstrations.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness; escalate recurring issues and identify second-source options for critical materials.

Receiving \& Inventory

• Receive all incoming shipments: verify contents against packing slips and purchase orders, inspect for damage, and record lot numbers and expiration dates.
• Route temperature-sensitive materials immediately on arrival — cold-chain reagents, dry ice shipments, and controlled-storage items — to the correct storage location.
• Maintain stockroom and consumables inventory; conduct cycle counts, monitor par levels, and anticipate demand against upcoming study timelines so that long-lead items are ordered ahead of need.
• Manage returns, RMAs, and disposition of damaged or non-conforming goods; keep the receiving and storage area clean, safe, and well organized.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 3\+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, including at least 2 years in a biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, or research laboratory environment.
• Working familiarity with laboratory consumables, reagents, and scientific supply distributors (e.g., Avantor/VWR, Thermo Fisher, MilliporeSigma, Bio-Rad, IDT).
• Demonstrated ability to issue and track purchase orders and manage vendor relationships independently.
• Sound negotiation skills and the ability to be persistent with suppliers while maintaining tact and preserving the relationship.
• Strong proficiency with Excel and comfort learning new purchasing, inventory, or ERP systems.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage many concurrent orders and competing priorities.
• Ability to work on-site five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at an early-stage or rapidly scaling company, where processes are built rather than inherited.
• Familiarity with cold-chain handling, dry ice, and temperature-controlled storage requirements.
• Hands-on experience with an ERP, inventory, or e-procurement platform (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, Quartzy, Coupa).
• Exposure to a regulated quality environment and supplier qualification practices.
• Experience with capital equipment procurement, service contracts, or facilities vendor coordination.

Benefits \& Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for formal education.

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular lifting and moving of packages and supplies up to 50 lbs, use of hand trucks and pallet jacks, and frequent standing, bending, and reaching. Work includes handling dry ice and entering cold-storage and laboratory areas while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

$70,000 - $85,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 – $85,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.