Scientist II, Advanced Research

One Nucleus; Town Of Cambridge; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NeoGenomics is seeking a Scientist II, Advanced Research to advance a novel MRD detection method from early research through optimization and viability assessment. The role is hands-on, requiring expertise in NGS library preparation, cfDNA workflows, and close collaboration with computational colleagues to translate method requirements into analytical specs.

The candidate will troubleshoot discrepancies between wet lab and computational results, maintain rigorous experimental records, and

Qualifications

• Hands-on next generation sequencing library preparation is essential.
• Experience with cell-free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred.
• Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred.
• Strong practical laboratory skills in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology.
• Working knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and identify sources of error.
• Experience handling human clinical samples with governance awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to present data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method.
• Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows.
• Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions.
• Diagnose and resolve experimental problems and elevate appropriately.
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues.
• Maintain complete experimental records suitable for regulatory and patent purposes.
• Present data and recommendations clearly to the team and senior leadership.
• Work with internal/external teams to obtain contrived or clinical samples.

Skills

NGS library prep

Cell-free DNA

UMI sequencing

Experimental design

Troubleshooting

Education

Ph.D. in Genetics/Genomics/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

MS with 10+ years

BS with 14+ years

Job description

The Scientist II, Advanced Research works within a small early research team developing next generation technologies for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients using circulating tumor DNA. The primary objective of this role is to advance a novel MRD detection method from early research through optimization to a clear assessment of technical viability.

This is a hands‑on laboratory role. It requires strong practical next generation sequencing skills with an emphasis on novel library preparation methods, rigorous experimental design, and the ability to work closely with computational team members, translating method requirements into analytical specifications and jointly troubleshooting discrepancies between wet lab and computational results.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method
• Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows
• Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions
• Diagnose and resolve experimental problems, distinguishing true method limitations from technical artifact, contamination, or workflow error; elevate appropriately and in a timely manner
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues, contributing to the definition of analytical requirements for the method
• Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous experimental records to a standard suitable for regulatory and patent purposes
• Present data, interpretations and recommendations clearly to the research team and to senior leadership, including honest assessment of negative or ambiguous results
• Work with internal and external teams to identify and obtain the contrived or clinical samples required for project completion

Additional Responsibilities (may be assigned):

• Work with the internal IP team to document and support the filing of contributions to novel elements of the method
• Contribute to the group's internal peer review of experimental design and data interpretation
• Attend additional training or educational opportunities as requested

Position Objectives

• Achieves working competency in the core method workflows within the handover period
• Delivers a clear, evidence‑based assessment of the method’s technical viability
• Reports results accurately and with limited error, including results that do not support the working hypothesis
• Communicates effectively with laboratory, computational and leadership colleagues
• Adheres to NeoGenomics core values, safety, compliance, and Company policies and procedures

Education

Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field, ideally with a focus on cancer or sequencing methodology

Equivalent experience will be considered: M.S. with 10 or more years, or B.S. with 14 or more years of relevant laboratory experience

Experience

2 or more years of postdoctoral or industry laboratory experience beyond Ph.D., in a relevant field

Qualification Requirements

• Hands‑on next generation sequencing library preparation experience is essential
• Experience with cell‑free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred
• Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred
• Strong practical laboratory skills, particularly in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology
• Working knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and to identify the likely source of an unexpected result
• Experience handling human clinical samples, with awareness of the associated consent and governance requirements
• Genuine interest in technical invention and methodological depth
• Comfortable working on a project where the outcome is genuinely uncertain and where a well‑evidenced negative result is a valid deliverable
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to present data honestly and clearly to non‑specialist audiences
• Ability to work independently and within a small collaborative team
• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment and comply with safety policies and standards outlined in the Safety Manual