Scientist 1, Development (Contract)

Seeking a driven Scientist I (contract) to join a product development team, primarily in a hands-on lab role focused on building and refining high-throughput diagnostic assays. This position leads day-to-day bench work, contributes to experimental design and documentation, and helps generate high-quality data under rigorous standards for regulated assay development.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and execute characterization studies to support analytical validation using automated NGS-based workflows.
• Source, qualify, and prepare contrived and clinical samples for pre-validation and validation activities.
• Partner with senior scientists to design clear, interpretable experiments and analysis plans.
• Draft SOPs, study protocols, and reports suitable for inclusion in formal design and quality documentation.
• Coordinate reagents, equipment, and sample logistics for verification and validation activities in a clinical lab setting.
• Help mature and transfer automated assays from research into routine production.
• Collaborate on troubleshooting efforts across R&D and adjacent lab teams.
• Apply deep assay expertise and molecular biology/biochemistry knowledge to guide study design, data review, and optimization.
• Maintain high standards for sample handling, QC, and traceability in high-throughput environments.
• Work effectively with cross-functional partners in automation, informatics, clinical operations, regulatory, and commercial teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Who You Are

• Hands-on molecular biology experience, including NGS and common QC methods (e.g. Tapestation, Fragment Analyzer, fluorescence-based quantification, qPCR).
• Comfortable owning routine bench work and supporting experimental design, execution, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of the biochemistry behind multi-step molecular biology workflows at the sample prep and assay level.
• Proven track record in troubleshooting and optimizing molecular biology techniques.
• Driven, organized, and able to deliver against timelines in a fast-paced, product-focused environment.
• Clear, concise communicator (written and verbal).
• Able to work independently, use sound judgment, and manage priorities.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Skilled problem-solver with tact and professionalism when working across teams and with external partners.
• Adaptable and open-minded as priorities and resources shift.
• Willing to question assumptions, share data-driven perspectives, and ask for clarity when needed.
• Comfortable operating in matrixed environments with both direct and dotted-line reporting.

Requirements

• PhD in biology, molecular biology, genetics, or related discipline; oncology experience is a plus.
• At least 3 years of relevant post-PhD experience in industry and/or postdoctoral research; experience within regulated product development and quality systems is strongly preferred.
• Deep experience with molecular genomics (RNA and DNA), including NGS and/or other high-throughput platforms.
• Proficiency in genomic data analysis, interpretation, and visualization.

Compensation: $63-$67/hourly