Principal Scientist, High-Throughput Sequencing

SAGA Diagnostics is a personalized cancer diagnostics and disease monitoring company focused on molecular genetic analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). The company’s mission is to improve precision cancer medicine, provide more accurate treatment monitoring, and improve patient survival using minimally-invasive liquid biopsy cancer testing services. SAGA’s proprietary tests can help patients, oncologists, and drug developers detect actionable mutations, stratify patient groups, and monitor treatment response, residual disease, and disease recurrence at unprecedented sensitivity and scale.

We are seeking a Principal Scientist, High-Throughput Sequencing to lead the design, development, and optimization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays for molecular residual disease testing (MRD). The ideal candidate is an innovative scientist with deep expertise in sequencing technologies, assay development, and data-driven decision-making who thrives at the interface of research, engineering, and clinical translation. This individual will serve as a technical leader, mentor, and strategic contributor within our growing R&D organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of high-throughput sequencing assays, with a focus on sensitivity, specificity, and scalability for clinical deployment.
• Evaluate and implement emerging sequencing technologies (short-read, long-read, single-cell, or spatial omics) to enhance assay performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with bioinformatics, automation engineering, and clinical development teams to design robust end-to-end workflows.
• Design and oversee analytical validation studies, including assay reproducibility, limit of detection, and dynamic range.
• Drive innovation strategy in sequencing, staying abreast of new chemistries, platforms, and library preparation methods relevant to diagnostics.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, fostering technical excellence and career growth.
• Author scientific publications, presentations, and contribute to regulatory submissions (CLIA/CAP/FDA).
  
  

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience in high-throughput sequencing assay development (academic, biotech, or diagnostics).
• Demonstrated expertise in NGS library prep, target enrichment, barcoding/multiplexing, and sample QC.
• Strong track record of assay development and technology transfer into clinical or commercial labs.
• Experience analytically validating NGS assays including writing validation plans and reports
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and statistical principles for NGS assay validation.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor scientists.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation and company wide benefits plan
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment dedicated to improving oncology outcomes.
  
  

SAGA Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background. The company’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to hr@sagadiagnostics.com. SAGA Diagnostics is a participant in the E-Verify program, learn more about the program and review our required disclosures here and here.