Molecular Biologist Scientist

BCforward; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

BCforward in Pleasanton, CA is seeking a Scientist I/II with a background in molecular biology to advance NGS workflows in a clinical diagnostics context.

You will perform cell-free nucleic acids extraction from clinical samples, prepare sequencing libraries, run the AXELIOS 1 sequencer, analyze data, and collaborate with bioinformatics and biology teams. This 12-month contract offers on‑the‑job training and opportunities to contribute to impactful diagnostics.

Qualifications

• Background in molecular biology and human disease related fields.
• Strong understanding of NGS library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing.
• Ability to work well in teams and across disciplines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Passionate and self-motivated with a strong desire to learn on the job.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell-free nucleic acids extraction from clinical plasma specimens, whole blood, and FFPE tissue.
• Plan and conduct hands-on laboratory experiments under supervision.
• Design, execute and analyze methylation sequencing workflows.
• Analyze data, evaluate results, and plan future experiments.
• Collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics groups to optimize sequencing performance.
• Operate high-throughput sequencing on the AXELIOS 1 sequencer in a core lab.
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments and project data.

Skills

Molecular biology

NGS library preparation

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

N/A

Tools

AXELIOS 1 sequencer

NGS platforms

Job description

Work location: 4300 Hacienda Drive Pleasanton CA 94588

12 months contract

Pay rate - $40-$45 per hour

Description:

Our long term goal is to revolutionize clinical diagnostics through innovation of advanced molecular diagnostic methods facilitating personalized, proactive treatments that lead to improved patient outcomes. This is accomplished first by identifying specific clinical/scientific needs followed by the application of novel molecular technologies to address them. We tackle critical problems standing in the way of the routine clinical use of next generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostics in oncology, genetics, women’s health, immunology, and infectious diseases worldwide. We work at the forefront of Research and Early Development to incorporate the latest technology advancements into new sequencing assays and applications. Our high-performance team is looking for new group members who share our drive and have advanced skill sets relevant to NGS, genomics, and bioinformatics. If you would like to work on challenging problems in NGS with the opportunity to invent new diagnostic methods, then this is the place for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform cell-free nucleic acids extraction from clinical plasma specimens, whole blood, and formalin‑fixed paraffin‑embedded (FFPE) tissue
• Work under manager supervision to plan and conduct hands‑on laboratory experiments independently
• Design, execute and analyze methods optimizing methylation sequencing workflows
• Analyze data, evaluate results, form conclusions, and determine future experiments
• Collaborate closely with molecular biology and bioinformatics groups to evaluate and identify potential parameters that may impact sequencing performance
• Execute high-throughput sequencing operations on the AXELIOS 1 sequencer within a core laboratory environment
• Keep detailed records of all experiments and project‑related information

The successful candidate should have:

• A background in molecular biology and human disease related fields
• Good understanding of NGS library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing
• Ability to work well in teams and across disciplines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The candidate should be passionate and self‑motivated with a strong desire to acquire on‑the‑job training
• Job level (Scientist I/Scientist II) will be determined based on relevant industry experience