Lead NGS Research Scientist - Diagnostics & Validation

Abbott; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freemedical coverage (HIP PPO)

High employer retirement contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Freedom 2 Save student debt program

FreeU education benefit

Job summary

Abbott in La Jolla, CA, seeks a Staff Research Scientist to lead verification and validation studies for innovative NGS-based multi-cancer early detection solutions that improve clinical test access, quality, and patient outcomes.

You will design and execute NGS experiments, mentor scientists, and coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple projects while ensuring compliance with ISO and legal standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related field; or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 4 years of experience in lieu of PhD; or Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field and 6 years of experience in lieu of PhD.
• 8+ years of industry or academia experience in biology and/or chemistry.
• 6+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership and management experience.
• Deep knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and related sciences.
• Bioinformatics knowledge related to nucleic acid analysis and assay development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office to including Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical/scientific lead, designing and executing NGS experiments and studies that integrate clinical, analytical, and operational requirements, independently developing methods for new or highly complex assignments
• Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential new technologies, materials, processes, and products, planning and executing research to prove out concepts
• Lead, mentor, and train scientists and research associates, guiding study planning/execution, providing work direction, and fostering an open, collaborative team environment
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental/study data (including nonconforming data and trends), drawing conclusions and recommending next steps and project direction
• Develop and communicate research plans, experimental designs, and project plans; plan, organize, and prioritize project assignments and milestones/schedules across multiple projects with shifting priorities and timelines
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed technical procedures, protocols, reports, and lab documentation, ensuring compliance with legal, ISO, and quality requirements
• Present and defend scientific findings and technical analyses to data/group/project meetings, cross-functional teams, senior management, and varied audiences, creating high-quality, cohesive presentations; write and submit professional articles/abstracts for technical journals and conferences
• Act as subject matter expert and technical leader on complex projects, exercising independent judgment to select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria, recognizing that erroneous decisions could impact major organizational objectives
• Operate scientific instrumentation, troubleshoot issues, and maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, industry trends, and the broader business environment to improve processes and techniques
• Contribute to intellectual property portfolio, including participation in IP evaluations and patent application development, through innovative, creative problem-solving
• Consult and interact with internal and external experts, and coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts across organizational units
• Apply strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills to work independently and with teams across the organization

Education

PhD in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related field

Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Mathematics, or related field

Job description

Abbott in La Jolla, CA, seeks a Staff Research Scientist to lead verification and validation studies for innovative NGS-based multi-cancer early detection solutions that improve clinical test access, quality, and patient outcomes.

You will design and execute NGS experiments, mentor scientists, and coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple projects while ensuring compliance with ISO and legal standards.