NGS Senior Scientist 1

Tempus AI, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Stock/RSUs

Job summary

Tempus AI, Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead development and validation of molecular assays for deployment in our clinical laboratory. You will oversee assay development, validation, and implementation across high-throughput settings, with an emphasis on NGS workflows and rigorous study design.

The role requires strong analytical skills, collaboration across teams, and the ability to mentor junior staff. Travel up to 10% and a comprehensive benefits package are included.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 0+ years of experience or Master’s with 5+ years in molecular biology, assay development, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of molecular assays and NGS workflows for high-throughput clinical laboratories.
• Design, execute, and analyze R&D studies with scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Lead assay validation and clinical implementation from study design through launch, including workflow development, SOP creation, and documentation.
• Design and execute qualification and validation studies for reagents, instruments, equipment, and methods to support clinical deployment.
• Interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams and provide scientific leadership in a matrixed environment.
• Communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Train and mentor junior scientific staff and support implementation of new laboratory workflows.
• Support automation and technology initiatives to improve laboratory workflows.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

Assay development

NGS workflows

Experimental design

Analytical troubleshooting

Leadership in matrixed teams

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field

Master’s degree with 5+ years experience

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

NGS library preparation

PCR-based techniques

FFPE workflows

Laboratory automation

LIMS

Job description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the development and validation of new molecular assays and laboratory processes for deployment in our clinical laboratory.

What You'll Do

• Lead development of molecular assays and NGS workflows for high-throughput clinical laboratories.
• Design, execute, and analyze R&D studies with scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Lead assay validation and clinical implementation from study design through launch, including workflow development, SOP creation, and documentation.
• Design and execute qualification and validation studies for reagents, instruments, equipment, and methods to support clinical deployment.
• Interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams and provide scientific leadership in a matrixed environment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Train and mentor junior scientific staff and support implementation of new laboratory workflows.
• Support automation and technology initiatives to improve laboratory workflows.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 0 or more years of experience, or Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, assay development, or a related field.
• Experience in assay development and/or validation required.
• Experience in a clinical laboratory environment required; CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and accuracy.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, technologies, and workflows.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to lead across teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Technical Experience

• DNA/RNA extraction and purification methods.
• NGS library preparation, hybrid capture, and sequencing workflows.
• PCR-based techniques, including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and ddPCR.
• Nucleic acid manipulation, quantitation, and analysis.
• Assay troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Highly Desirable Experience with FFPE tissue workflows.
• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling robotics.
• Experience developing and implementing protocols for CLIA-regulated laboratories.
• Familiarity with LIMS and laboratory data systems.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $120,000 USD The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience.

Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Tempus was founded in August of 2015 by Eric Lefkofsky, after his wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Shortly after he founded the company in an effort to bring the power of technology and artificial intelligence to cancer care, he convinced Ryan Fukushima to join as the company's first employee. Ryan and Eric began assembling a world class team, focused on building the first version of a platform capable of ingesting real-time healthcare data in an effort to personalize diagnostics. We built the platform for oncology and have expanded it to neuropsychiatry, cardiology, infectious disease (through COVID), and radiology. Despite our rapid growth, our mission remains the same—to help make sure patients are on the right drug at the right time, so they can live longer and healthier lives.

We're looking for people who can change the world. Who question the status quo and don't shy away from tough problems. For the builders who are never done building and the learners who are never done learning. We're looking for passionate people with undying curiosity. Those who want to attack one of the most challenging problems mankind has ever faced.

Head on.