Clinical NGS Scientist: Lab Innovator in Diagnostics

Takara Bio USA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Takara Bio USA in San Jose, CA, seeks a Scientist to drive clinical NGS product development. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports from Proof of Concept to product launch, collaborating with R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, cross-functional communication, and a focus on product usability and quality. Travel may be required for conferences.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 2-5 years of postdoctoral and/or industrial experience.
• Experience in clinical NGS assay development, validation, and workflow implementation is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of general scientific principles and concepts with specialized skills in assay design and development for clinical NGS applications.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g. JMP) and statistical design principles.
• Familiarity with NGS bioinformatics analysis, including UNIX command line, standard packaged tools (e.g. aligners), and Python/R scripts.
• Experience with product development and tech transfer processes to manufacturing and QC.
• Familiar with laboratory procedures, protocols, and state-of-art instruments.
• Strong interest in technology development and translating scientific ideas into novel applications.
• Effective analytical and critical thinking skills, including excellent attention to detail, grounded knowledge of troubleshooting, and strong quantitative background.
• Collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation using Design of Experiment (DOE) principles a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and conducts experiments for one or more projects, exhibiting good skills in experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation.
• Understands project goals, meets project specifications, and commits to deliver projects within set deadlines under guidance from Senior Scientists and colleagues in Marketing (Product Managers and/or Market Strategy Managers).
• Responsible for clear report preparation, including timely inputs to lab notebooks and project databases.
• Learns to draft SOPs, user manuals, technical notes and other related technical documents with assistance from Senior Scientists, Marketing and Operations teams.
• Identifies potential new products for development based on assessment of customer demand, market trends, and competitor analysis with help from Marketing and more senior researchers in the group.
• Serves as a resource to R&D and other departments within the organization, including Product Management and Operations – especially during product development and launch.
• Leads or supports efforts post-launch for continuous product quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Participates in R&D scientific meetings, and may represent company in front of customers, e.g. by presenting posters etc at conferences.
• May support Sales and Technical Support representatives on technical matters.

Skills

Clinical NGS

Statistical design principles

NGS bioinformatics

DOE

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

JMP

UNIX command line

Python

R

Job description

Takara Bio USA in San Jose, CA, seeks a Scientist to drive clinical NGS product development. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports from Proof of Concept to product launch, collaborating with R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, cross-functional communication, and a focus on product usability and quality. Travel may be required for conferences.