Research Associate I/II

Freenome; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 51,907 - 64,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Cash bonuses

Medical benefits

Job summary

Freenome is seeking a Research Associate I/II to advance NGS-based assay development for DNA analysis in a regulated, high-throughput lab setting. You will collaborate with molecular research, computational science, automation engineering, and clinical operations teams to prototype and validate clinical-grade assays.

You will contribute to data generation, analysis, and iterative improvement efforts while reporting to the Senior Manager and Staff Research Scientist.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with 1+ years of industry experience or Masters in molecular biology.
• Hands-on experience in NGS-based assay development including sample preparation, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Biological understanding of human cell-free nucleic acids, single-cell analysis methods, immunology, and/or cancer biology.
• High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting as required.
• Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to manual pipette with high confidence, accuracy, and precision.
• Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic-acid biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing to develop assays for DNA.
• Characterize automated assays by generating and analyzing experimental data.
• Gather high-quality data, take detailed notes, and openly communicate on lessons learned while performing experiments.
• Collaborate with research team and computational biologists, understand how data reflect underlying molecular biology, and contribute to analyzing data and generating study conclusions.
• Present data in cross functional teams.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts and design experiments with some supervisor guidance.
• Help with process improvements across the lab by thinking critically about the execution of all experiments.

Skills

NGS-based assay development

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Pipetting accuracy

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in molecular biology or related field

Master's in molecular biology

Tools

ELN

LIMS

Python

R

Job description

At Freenome, you will help develop the assay technologies used to analyze patient samples and contribute to our mission of early detection and intervention in human disease. As a Research Associate I/II, you will provide experience in next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based analyses of DNA. Starting with a prototype assay, you will contribute to developing and validating clinical-grade assays to measure complex, blood-based analytes. You will work closely with multiple teams including molecular research, computational science, automation engineering, and clinical operations to develop the assays in a regulated, high-throughput environment as well as identify ways to rapidly iterate and improve on existing methods to evaluate technologies that can enhance our end-to-end test performance.

The role reports to the Senior Manager and Staff Research Scientist. This role will be an Onsite role.

What you'll do:

• Apply knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic-acid biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing to develop assays for DNA.
• Characterize automated assays by generating and analyzing experimental data.
• Gather high-quality data, take detailed notes, and openly communicate on lessons learned while performing experiments.
• Collaborate with research team and computational biologists, understand how data reflect underlying molecular biology, and contribute to analyzing data and generating study conclusions.
• Present data in cross functional teams.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts and design experiments with some supervisor guidance.
• Help with process improvements across the lab by thinking critically about the execution of all experiments.

Must haves:

• Bachelors with 1+ years of relevant industry experience or Masters in molecular biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in NGS based assay development including sample preparation, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Biological understanding of human cell-free nucleic acids, single‑cell analysis methods, immunology, and/or cancer biology.
• High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting as required.
• Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to manual pipette with high confidence, accuracy, and precision.
• Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.

Nice to haves:

• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, GLP/GCLP, IVD development).
• Experience with automated platforms in plate‑based, low‑volume formats and/or microfluidics and experience working with automated liquid handlers.
• Experience using ELN (electronic lab notebook) and LIMS (lab information management system).
• Familiarity with programing in a scientific programming language (e.g., Python or R).

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base hourly rate for new hires is $37.68 - $46.69. You will also be eligible to receive equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered. Please check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.

Freenome is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, and we value diversity.

Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.