NGS Senior Scientist: Precision Medicine Lab Lead

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

Job summary

Tempus seeks a Senior Scientist in Chicago to lead development and validation of molecular assays for clinical lab deployment. You will drive design, execution, and documentation of validation studies, and mentor junior staff while collaborating across teams.

Applicants should have a PhD with related experience or a Master’s with substantial experience in molecular biology, with strong analytical and communication skills. Travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0+ years or MS with 5+ years in molecular biology or related field.
• Experience in assay development and/or validation in a clinical lab.
• CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to lead across teams.

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 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.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Experimental design

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

Master’s degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

NGS library prep

PCR/qPCR/ddPCR

LIMS

Laboratory automation

Job description

Tempus seeks a Senior Scientist in Chicago to lead development and validation of molecular assays for clinical lab deployment. You will drive design, execution, and documentation of validation studies, and mentor junior staff while collaborating across teams.

Applicants should have a PhD with related experience or a Master’s with substantial experience in molecular biology, with strong analytical and communication skills. Travel up to 10% is expected.