Senior Development Scientist I
$150,000–$200,000 year
On-siteBrisbane, California, United States
Job Summary
Develop, optimize, verify, and validate clinical-grade assay technologies for Freenome's multiomic platform by applying knowledge of molecular biology and next-generation sequencing. Oversee mission-critical experiments to characterize and validate NGS-based assays, owning scientific strategy, experimental design, and delivery. Design high-impact experiments, perform data analysis, and present results cross-functionally while troubleshooting technical challenges and driving process improvements. Partner with computational scientists and engineers to transition development protocols into clinical production, including automation and SOP development. Document product requirements, author study protocols, and apply current Good Laboratory Practices to maintain scientific rigor. Lead independent troubleshooting investigations and provide technical mentorship to research associates.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field with at least 4 years of professional experience in the life sciences
- Bachelors or Masters degree with at least 10 years of professional experience
- Prior experience in clinical diagnostics and/or working in a start-up environment
- Experience designing and leading the execution of verification and validation studies for IVD assays in a regulated clinical laboratory environment (GLP)
- Extensive hands-on experience in Next-gen sequencing (NGS) based automated assay development including extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing
- Experience working with automated platforms and liquid handlers
- Extensive hands-on experience in nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and quantification (DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, Qubit, Fragment Analyzer, Tapestation)
- Experience in working with ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in NGS workflows
- Proven track record of designing, planning, and executing successful experiments, including performing independent data analysis and giving effective scientific presentations
- High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and lead independent troubleshooting investigations
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Proactive communicator with ability to foster collaboration in a multidisciplinary team
- Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities
- Experience providing technical mentorship and training to other scientists and research associates to contribute to a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement
- Onsite role based in Brisbane, California headquarters
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in working with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in NGS workflows
- Familiarity with scientific programming or data analysis tools such as Python or R
- Experience contributing to publications, patents, or other scientific innovations
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