Scientist I

Spectraforce Technologies; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite position

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies in Pleasanton, CA is seeking a Scientist I to support the Molecular Lab Research & Early Development team. You will focus on developing molecular assays for infectious diseases and genomics diagnostics, working onsite to advance global health through innovative diagnostics.

The role is wet-lab oriented, with hands-on bench work, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Biological sample handling, in vitro transcription, nucleic acid purification, amplification and detection.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, dPCR and gel electrophoresis. Hands-on experience with qPCR is highly desired.
• Understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies is preferred.
• Experience with growing and manipulating BSL-2 bacteria is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management and organisational skills in a dynamic environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Master's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
• Typically 1-3 years of industry experience

Responsibilities

• Performs hands-on research activities at the bench for multiple hours per day.
• Works independently or with supervisor's help: design, plan, and execute experiments with high attention to detail.
• Ensures activities align with project critical path and adapts to priorities.
• Records methods, materials and results in electronic notebooks.
• Analyzes data, evaluates results and plans next steps.
• Integrates past and current results to determine next steps.
• Present findings at group or departmental meetings.
• May assist in preparing summaries, memos, internal reports, presentations, manuscripts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure training activities are up to date.

Skills

PCR

qPCR

dPCR

Gel electrophoresis

NGS

BSL-2 handling

Data analysis

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Master's degree in Biological Sciences

1–3 years industry experience

Tools

qPCR instrument

Nucleic acid purification

In vitro transcription

Job description

Position Title: Scientist I

Work Location: 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Assignment Duration: 12 months (approx).

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary

The Molecular Lab Research & Early Development team is seeking motivated candidates focusing on developing molecular assays for infectious diseases and genomics diagnostics. Our mission is to safeguard global health by pioneering advanced molecular diagnostic solutions.

Background & Context

Support pre-clinical scientific studies in research for the mIDDS Subchapter in Pleasanton, including biological sample handling, in vitro transcription, nucleic acid purification, amplification and detection for both blood screening and microbiology projects. This is largely a wet lab-based position.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs hands-on research activities at the bench for multiple hours per day.
• Works independently or with supervisor's help: research, design, plan, and execute innovative and well-controlled experiments, with high attention to detail.
• Ensures activities are consistent with project critical path and responds appropriately to changing priorities.
• Accurately, consistently, and promptly records experimental methods, materials and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Analyses data, evaluates results and plans for the next steps.
• Integrates previous and current results to determine next experimental steps and the impact on long-term project goals.
• Present findings at group or departmental meetings.
• May assist in preparing summaries, memos, internal reports, presentations, manuscripts, etc.
• Collaborate and work closely with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure that all the training activities are up to date.

Qualification & Experience

• Technical understanding of and laboratory experience in: biological sample handling, in vitro transcription, nucleic acid purification, amplification and detection.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, dPCR and gel electrophoresis. Hands-on experience with qPCR is highly desired, as assigned projects will involve assisting in the development of qPCR assays to diagnose pathogens.
• Understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies is preferred.
• Experience with growing and manipulating BSL-2 bacteria is a plus.
• Ability to learn and work effectively, exhibit professional manners and establish constructive working relationships.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management and organisational skills in a dynamic, constantly changing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Master's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
• Typically 1-3 years of industry experience