Research Associate – Molecular Assay Development (Digital PCR)

CareDx; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Health and welfare benefits

Gym reimbursement

Living Donor policy

Job summary

CareDx, in Waltham, MA, seeks a Research Associate for digital PCR assay development. This contract position (40 hrs/week) supports assay development, optimization, and data generation for liquid biopsy and oncology programs.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of hands-on dPCR experience, meticulous documentation, and thrives in a small, fast-paced R&D team with potential for full-time conversion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science field.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on digital PCR experience.
• Experience operating digital PCR instrumentation and data analysis software.
• Understanding of nucleic acid workflows and PCR principles.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and quantification.
• Ability to independently execute experiments.

Responsibilities

• Execute digital PCR experiments with guidance for assay development.
• Perform sample processing including nucleic acid extraction and quantification.
• Generate high-quality data and maintain thorough notebook documentation.
• Perform initial data analysis and summarize results for leadership.
• Troubleshoot assay performance and improve workflows.
• Design and run experiments under leadership guidance.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, reagents, and inventory.
• Prepare summaries and contribute to protocols and SOPs.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

digital PCR

Nucleic acid extraction

Data analysis

Lab documentation

Communication

Independent execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline

Tools

Digital PCR instrumentation

Data analysis software

Job description

Research Associate – Molecular Assay Development (Digital PCR)

Waltham, MA

CareDx is a leading precision medicine diagnostics company advancing care in transplant, specialty oncology, and cell therapy. Through our innovative portfolio of molecular diagnostics, digital health solutions, AI-powered data and analytics, and patient support services, we partner with healthcare providers, patients, and biopharma organizations to help inform clinical decision‑making and improve patient outcomes.

Within CareDx's Specialty Oncology business, we are focused on improving the management of HPV‑driven cancers through innovative diagnostic solutions. NavDx®, our blood‑based DNA test, helps clinicians detect molecular signs of disease recurrence, monitor treatment response, and guide patient management throughout the care journey. Our team is committed to expanding access to actionable insights that support more informed cancer care.

CareDx is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (contract position) with demonstrated expertise in digital PCR (dPCR/ddPCR) to join our Specialty Oncology Research & Development team in Waltham, Massachusetts.

The successful candidate will support the development, optimization, and execution of molecular assays supporting liquid biopsy and oncology diagnostic programs. This is a highly hands‑on laboratory position, with approximately 80–90% of the time spent at the bench performing experiments, generating high‑quality data, troubleshooting assays, and supporting technology development initiatives.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of hands‑on experience designing, executing and analyzing digital PCR experiments and is passionate about translating molecular biology technologies into innovative diagnostic solutions.

This is a contract position with the potential to be converted to a full‑time role.
It is scheduled for 40 hrs/week.
The assignment runs for 6 months, with potential to convert to full‑time.
Hourly Rate: $38/hour

Essential Responsibilities

• Execute digital PCR experiments with guidance from scientific staff supporting assay development, optimization, verification, and feasibility studies.
• Perform sample processing and molecular biology workflows including nucleic acid extraction, quantification, preparation, and quality assessment.
• Generate high‑quality experimental data while maintaining thorough documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Perform initial data analysis and summarize results for review by scientific leadership.
• Assist with troubleshooting assay performance issues and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Assist in the design and execution of experiments under the guidance of scientific leadership.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, reagents, consumables, and inventory.
• Prepare experimental summaries and contribute to technical reports, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and cross‑functional team members to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety practices and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience performing digital PCR (dPCR or ddPCR) in an academic, biotechnology, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating digital PCR instrumentation and associated data analysis software.
• Understanding of nucleic acid‑based assay workflows and PCR principles.
• Experience performing DNA and/or RNA extraction and quantification.
• Proven ability to independently execute experiments.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a small, fast‑paced R&D environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• cfDNA or liquid biopsy assay development.
• qPCR assay development and optimization.
• Next‑generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and analysis.
• Automated sample processing platforms.
• Exposure to regulated laboratory or diagnostic development environments.
• Statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R, JMP).
• Experience supporting assay verification, validation, or technology transfer activities.

Key Competencies

• Strong laboratory execution and experimental rigor.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Ability to use data to guide experimental follow‑up under supervision.
• Attention to detail and documentation quality.
• Adaptability in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to scientific excellence and continuous learning.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory‑based position requiring approximately 80–90% bench work.
• Frequent use of standard molecular biology and analytical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to handle biological specimens and laboratory reagents in accordance with established safety procedures.

Every individual at CareDx has a direct impact on our collective mission to improve the lives of organ transplant patients worldwide. We believe in taking great care of our people, so they take even greater care of our patients.

Our competitive Total Rewards package for US Employees includes:

• Competitive base salary and incentive compensation
• Health and welfare benefits, including a gym reimbursement program

In addition, we have a Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy that allows up to 30 days of paid leave annually to a full‑time employee who makes the selfless act of donating an organ or bone marrow.

With products that are making a difference in the lives of transplant patients today and a promising pipeline for the future, it’s an exciting time to be part of the CareDx team. Join us in partnering with transplant patients to transform our future together.

CareDx, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer‑vets/disabled, and participates in the E‑Verify program.

This is the anticipated base salary range for candidates who will work in Waltham, MA. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include, but are not limited to, the type and length of experience within the job, the type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units. CareDx is a multi‑state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

United States

$38 - $38 USD