Product Development - Research Associate 2 / Sr. Research Associate

The role

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team to plan, execute, and analyze oncology solutions. You will provide hands-on NGS equipment operation and library preparation using real-world samples to develop precision medicine products.

What you will do

• Support R&D scientists in developing, optimizing, and validating novel oncology assays and workflows.
• Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples and construct high-quality libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Process sample cohorts for assay validation studies and external collaborations.
• Evaluate new protocols and provide feedback to optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain meticulous sample tracking and experimental records in lab notebooks.
• Present findings in team meetings.
• Maintain compliance with safety guidelines, quality standards, and company policies.

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or a related biological science.
• 3+ years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, quality control (e.g., Qubit, TapeStation), and NGS library preparation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Nice to have

• biotech/pharma experience
• Experience with liquid biopsy (cfDNA/cfRNA) or FFPE sample processing

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401(k) match
• ESPP
• tuition reimbursement
• sick/vacation time
• commuter benefits/ EV charging stations
• onsite gym
• wellness benefits

About the company

Personalis is based in Fremont, California. The company aims to drive a new paradigm for cancer management through breakthrough personalized testing.