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.

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.

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.

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.