Research Associate, Oncology Assay Development

Personalis, Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

ESPP

Tuition reimbursement

Sick/vacation time

Commuter benefits/EV charging

Onsite gym

Wellness benefits

Medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Personalis, Inc. in Fremont, CA is seeking a hands-on molecular biology professional to support an inter-disciplinary R&D team.

You will operate NGS equipment and perform library preparation using real-world samples to advance precision medicine products for pharma, biotech, and clinical partners. The role emphasizes DNA/RNA extraction, QC checks (Qubit, TapeStation), and collaboration across projects with tight timelines.

Qualifications

• Hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience (3+ years)
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction and QC (Qubit, TapeStation)
• Experience with liquid biopsy (cfDNA/cfRNA) or FFPE sample processing preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Assay & Workflow Execution: Support R&D scientists in developing, optimizing, and validating novel oncology assays and workflows.
• Sample Prep & Library Generation: Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples (blood, tissue) and construct high-quality libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Validation & Collaboration Studies: Process sample cohorts for critical assay validation studies and external industry/academic collaborations under tight timelines.
• Protocol Refinement: Evaluate new protocols as a front-line user and provide constructive feedback to optimize SOPs.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain meticulous sample tracking and experimental records in lab notebooks; present findings in team meetings.
• Compliance: Maintain compliance with safety guidelines, quality standards, and company policies.

Skills

Molecular biology

NGS library prep

DNA/RNA extraction

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Qubit

TapeStation

Job description

Personalis, Inc. in Fremont, CA is seeking a hands-on molecular biology professional to support an inter-disciplinary R&D team.

You will operate NGS equipment and perform library preparation using real-world samples to advance precision medicine products for pharma, biotech, and clinical partners. The role emphasizes DNA/RNA extraction, QC checks (Qubit, TapeStation), and collaboration across projects with tight timelines.