Senior Research Associate

The role

You will develop and optimize genomic assay technologies and automated workflows for early cancer detection. You will work with Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Computational Biologists to transfer methodologies to Operations.

What you will do

• Develop and optimize NGS based methods and processes following Design Controls for IVD development.
• Design and perform experiments to develop, optimize, and characterize NGS workflow.
• Operate and maintain NGS related instruments such as automated liquid handlers, PCR instruments, and sequencers.
• Conduct new reagents testing and develop reagent quality control methods.
• Participate in troubleshooting issues and implement process improvement.
• Collaborate to transfer research prototype assays from Research to Development.
• Collaborate to transfer reagent quality control methods and manufacturing processes to Operations.
• Record results in electronic lab notebooks and author work instructions and record forms.
• Contribute to writing study protocols and reports.
• Apply current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP).

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience in the life sciences or Master’s in molecular biology or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in Next-gen sequencing (NGS) based assay development including extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Familiarity with molecular biology, genomics, NGS, assay development, sample preparation, reagent handling, or related laboratory workflows.
• Experience designing, planning, and executing successful experiments, interpreting results, preparing data for review, and giving effective scientific presentations.
• High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting.
• Ability to manually pipette with high confidence, accuracy, and precision.
• Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute the design and implementation of new processes.
• Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.

Nice to have

• Experience in working with with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in liquid biopsy workflows.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers, laboratory information systems, sample tracking systems, and equipment scheduling/status tools.
• Familiarity with programing in a scientific programming language (e.g., Python or R).

Benefits

• Equity
• Cash bonuses
• Medical benefits
• Financial benefits
• Other benefits

About the company

Freenome is an organization dedicated to changing the entire landscape of cancer through early cancer detection.