Scientist (Clinical NGS)

Takara Bio USA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Takara Bio USA in San Jose, CA, seeks a Scientist to drive clinical NGS product development. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports from Proof of Concept to product launch, collaborating with R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, cross-functional communication, and a focus on product usability and quality. Travel may be required for conferences.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 2-5 years of postdoctoral and/or industrial experience.
• Experience in clinical NGS assay development, validation, and workflow implementation is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of general scientific principles and concepts with specialized skills in assay design and development for clinical NGS applications.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g. JMP) and statistical design principles.
• Familiarity with NGS bioinformatics analysis, including UNIX command line, standard packaged tools (e.g. aligners), and Python/R scripts.
• Experience with product development and tech transfer processes to manufacturing and QC.
• Familiar with laboratory procedures, protocols, and state-of-art instruments.
• Strong interest in technology development and translating scientific ideas into novel applications.
• Effective analytical and critical thinking skills, including excellent attention to detail, grounded knowledge of troubleshooting, and strong quantitative background.
• Collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation using Design of Experiment (DOE) principles a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and conducts experiments for one or more projects, exhibiting good skills in experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation.
• Understands project goals, meets project specifications, and commits to deliver projects within set deadlines under guidance from Senior Scientists and colleagues in Marketing (Product Managers and/or Market Strategy Managers).
• Responsible for clear report preparation, including timely inputs to lab notebooks and project databases.
• Learns to draft SOPs, user manuals, technical notes and other related technical documents with assistance from Senior Scientists, Marketing and Operations teams.
• Identifies potential new products for development based on assessment of customer demand, market trends, and competitor analysis with help from Marketing and more senior researchers in the group.
• Serves as a resource to R&D and other departments within the organization, including Product Management and Operations – especially during product development and launch.
• Leads or supports efforts post-launch for continuous product quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Participates in R&D scientific meetings, and may represent company in front of customers, e.g. by presenting posters etc at conferences.
• May support Sales and Technical Support representatives on technical matters.

Skills

Clinical NGS

Statistical design principles

NGS bioinformatics

DOE

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

JMP

UNIX command line

Python

R

Job description

Reports to: Associate Director, Clinical NGS and RHT R&D

FLSA Class: Exempt

Learn more about our company and how we support you:

Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!

How this role drives the company forward:

The Scientist works primarily hands-on in the lab conducting experiments to move projects through all stages of product development; from initial Proof of Concept, through Research and Development, to Product Launch . To accomplish these tasks, the individual works closely with other colleagues in R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.

The Scientist role is lab-based.

Occasional travel, including overnight, may be required (e.g., to attend conferences).

How you will make an impact:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to help strengthen our clinical NGS product portfolio. This role will drive impact by working at the intersection between technical innovation and applications in clinical research, screening, and diagnostics. You will leverage our leading assay technologies to design, develop, and customize new products to expand Takara Bio’s role as a technical backbone for established and emerging clinical tests. Product usability, reliability, and reproducibility will be a primary focus. You will also take ownership beyond product launch and work in collaboration with Operations and Marketing to support continuous product quality improvement and customer satisfaction. Your impact will be anchored by your key role in communicating cross-functionally and serving as subject matter expert to help drive decision-making across the organization.

What will you do:

• Plans, schedules, and conducts experiments for one or more projects, exhibiting good skills in experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation.
• Understands project goals, meets project specifications, and commits to deliver projects within set deadlines under guidance from Senior Scientists and colleagues in Marketing (Product Managers and/or Market Strategy Managers).
• Responsible for clear report preparation, including timely inputs to lab notebooks and project databases.
• Learns to draft SOPs, user manuals, technical notes and other related technical documents with assistance from Senior Scientists, Marketing and Operations teams.
• Identifies potential new products for development based on assessment of customer demand, market trends, and competitor analysis with help from Marketing and more senior researchers in the group.
• Serves as a resource to R&D and other departments within the organization, including Product Management and Operations – especially during product development and launch.
• Leads or supports efforts post-launch for continuous product quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Participates in R&D scientific meetings, and may represent company in front of customers, e.g. by presenting posters etc at conferences.
• May support Sales and Technical Support representatives on technical matters.
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

How will you get here?

• Typically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 2-5 years of postdoctoral and/or industrial experience.
• Experience in clinical NGS assay development, validation, and workflow implementation is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of general scientific principles and concepts with specialized skills in assay design and development for clinical NGS applications.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g. JMP) and statistical design principles.
• Familiarity with NGS bioinformatics analysis, including UNIX command line, standard packaged tools (e.g. aligners), and Python/R scripts.
• Experience with product development and tech transfer processes to manufacturing and QC.
• Familiar with laboratory procedures, protocols, and state-of-art instruments.
• Strong interest in technology development and translating scientific ideas into novel applications.
• Effective analytical and critical thinking skills, including excellent attention to detail, grounded knowledge of troubleshooting, and strong quantitative background.
• Collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation using Design of Experiment (DOE) principles a plus.

AAP/EEO Statement:

Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

Additional Information about the role:

Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in San Jose, CA, is $150,000 - $165,000 USD. We may consider other candidates for this position with more experience and would expect the salary range to change accordingly. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at https://www.takarabio.com/about/careers/company-benefits . Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.