NGS Scientist I | Methylation & Diagnostics (Onsite)

Actalent; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist I/II for Next Generation Sequencing in Pleasanton, CA. This contract role focuses on developing advanced molecular diagnostics using NGS technologies across oncology, genetics, women’s health, immunology, and infectious diseases.

You will perform cfDNA extraction from clinical specimens, design methylation sequencing workflows, and collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics teams to optimize sequencing performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and lab techniques.
• Strong understanding of NGS and library preparation workflows.
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acids and cfDNA extraction from clinical specimens.
• Ability to design and analyze methylation sequencing and NGS-based assays.
• Proven ability to collaborate across molecular biology and bioinformatics teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Perform cfDNA extraction from plasma, whole blood, and FFPE tissue.
• Plan and conduct labs under supervision, ensuring protocol adherence.
• Design and optimize methylation sequencing workflows.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and propose next steps.
• Collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics teams to assess performance.
• Operate AXELIOS 1 sequencer and maintain equipment best practices.
• Maintain detailed records for reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
• Troubleshoot and improve NGS library prep and sequencing workflows.
• Communicate findings clearly through reports and presentations.

Skills

Molecular biology

NGS workflows

Methylation sequencing

cfDNA extraction

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

AXELIOS expertise

Tools

AXELIOS 1 sequencer

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Scientist I/II for Next Generation Sequencing in Pleasanton, CA. This contract role focuses on developing advanced molecular diagnostics using NGS technologies across oncology, genetics, women’s health, immunology, and infectious diseases.

You will perform cfDNA extraction from clinical specimens, design methylation sequencing workflows, and collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics teams to optimize sequencing performance.