Scientist - Fellow

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; Denton (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated seeks a highly skilled NGS Scientific Fellow to support Oncology Assay Development. The role focuses on translating complex sequencing data into actionable insights, driving product development and clinical impact.

The position blends collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on bioinformatics analysis. The fellow will work in a hybrid capacity, requiring 3 days onsite at the Lewisville, TX facility, collaborating with R&D, automation, and software teams

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, or a related field.
• Experience with oncology genomics and somatic variant analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform bioinformatic analysis of genomics data from NGS platforms (WES, WGS, targeted panels).
• Curate, analyze, and interpret complex genomics datasets to support assay development and validation.
• Present findings to drive decision-making in R&D product development and pipeline improvement.
• Design, develop, and deploy scalable bioinformatics pipelines for analytical validation data analysis.

Skills

Bioinformatics analysis

Data visualization

NGS data interpretation

Python/R scripting

Education

Ph.D. in bioinformatics/computational biology

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated next generation sequencing (NGS) Scientific Fellow to support Oncology Assay Development at Quest. As a member of the Oncology R&D team, this role will collaborate with other scientists and staff from cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and support cutting-edge genomic assays for oncology applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bioinformatics and/or genomic data analysis for somatic applications, translating complex data into actionable insights that drive product development, operational excellence and clinical impact.

This professional will work in a hybrid capacity requiring 3 days onsite at our Lewisville, TX facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform bioinformatic analysis of genomics data from next generation sequencing. Specific data types include whole exome sequencing (WES), whole exome sequencing (WGS), and targeted DNA and RNA panel datasets generated from Illumina, Ion Torrent and PacBio sequencing technologies.
• Curate, analyze, and interpret complex genomics datasets to support assay development, validation, and high throughput implementation
• Present findings to drive decision-making in R&D product development, troubleshooting, and pipeline improvement
• Design, develop, and deploy scalable and robust bioinformatics pipelines to support analytical validation data analysis for new oncology products
• Partner with R&D, automation, laboratory operations, and software teams to understand and address the technical challenges and implement efficient solutions
• Support production day-to-day operations, quickly pivoting focus to respond to incidents and requests
• Monitor, execute, and improve sequence analysis workflows and automation
• Produce charts and visualization for dashboards, reporting, and in support of data driven hypothesis testing
• Track, troubleshoot and mitigate issues encountered in processing production samples to meet strict Turnaround Times (TAT)
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical methods, workflows, and data quality standards
• Engages in critical research, which has a significant impact on corporate strategy and reputation.
• Shows outstanding ability to conceive and execute broad range scientific projects.
• Develops and implements novel methods which are of use to the current scientific efforts.
• Develops highly advanced new applications resulting in new product/business opportunities for the company.
• Erroneous decisions or recommendations would have a long-term negative effect on organization's reputation and business posture.
• Plans R&D programs and recommends technological application programs to accomplish long-range objectives.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a history of using bioinformatic technical skills to deliver accurate and timely results.

Required Work Experience

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, or a related field
• Experience with oncology genomics and somatic variant analysis

Preferred Work Experience

• Experience in NGS workflow development
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate experimental results
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, Cross-functional environment.
• Experience with Software Development Life Cycle documentation procedure
• Familiarity with assay validation, regulatory environment (CAP/CLIA), or clinical diagnostics

Skills

• Experience using scripting languages (Python, R, or similar) for scientific data analysis and visualization
• Strong proficiency in NGS data processing, QC, and interpretation
• Experience with analysis of next-generation sequencing data, preferably including Whole-Genome Sequencing, Variant calling, and Annotation
• Excellent communication skills and the desire to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment

Technical Breadth

Viewed as a leading expert in the field. Demonstrates exceptional scientific creativity and vision. Develops information which extends knowledge in a given field.

Discretion / Latitude

Often acts independently to uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational programs. Work is checked only to the effectiveness of results obtained, typically requiring a long-term perspective. Virtually self-supervisory.

Interactions

Prime spokesperson on company's technical capabilities and future directions. A scientific ambassador for the company, executing this role with maturity and professionalism. Serves as consultant to top management in long-range company planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements. Instrumental in attracting and obtaining major new company business.

Technical Leadership

Responsible for providing technical leadership and mentorship to all levels within the organization.

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.