Scientist I

Planet Pharma; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a scientist to advance molecular diagnostics and NGS applications across oncology, genetics, women's health, immunology, and infectious diseases, with a focus on challenging problems and meaningful patient outcomes.

You will perform cell-free nucleic acid extractions, design and optimize methylation sequencing workflows, analyze data, and collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics teams while keeping detailed records and pursuing on-the-job training.

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and human disease contexts.
• Strong understanding of NGS library prep and sequencing.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell-free nucleic acids extraction from plasma, whole blood, and FFPE tissue.
• Plan and conduct hands-on laboratory experiments under supervision.
• Design and optimize methylation sequencing workflows.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and plan future experiments.
• Collaborate with molecular biology and bioinformatics teams to assess sequencing performance.
• Operate AXELIOS 1 sequencer in a core lab.
• Maintain meticulous records of experiments and project data.

Skills

Molecular biology

NGS data analysis

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Tools

AXELIOS 1 sequencer

Job description

Description: Our long term goal is to revolutionize clinical diagnostics through innovation of advanced molecular diagnostic methods facilitating personalized, proactive treatments that lead to improved patient outcomes. This is accomplished first by identifying specific clinical/scientific needs followed by the application of novel molecular technologies to address them. We tackle critical problems standing in the way of the routine clinical use of next generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostics in oncology, genetics, womens health, immunology, and infectious diseases worldwide.

We work at the forefront of Research and Early Development to incorporate the latest technology advancements into new sequencing assays and applications. Our high-performance team is looking for new group members who share our drive and have advanced skill sets relevant to NGS, genomics, and bioinformatics. If you would like to work on challenging problems in NGS with the opportunity to invent new diagnostic methods, then this is the place for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform cell-free nucleic acids extraction from clinical plasma specimens, whole blood, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue
• Work under manager supervision to plan and conduct hands-on laboratory experiments independently
• Design, execute and analyze methods optimizing methylation sequencing workflows
• Analyze data, evaluate results, form conclusions, and determine future experiments
• Collaborate closely with molecular biology and bioinformatics groups to evaluate and identify potential parameters that may impact sequencing performance
• Execute high-throughput sequencing operations on the AXELIOS 1 sequencer within a core laboratory environment
• Keep detailed records of all experiments and project-related information

The successful candidate should have:

• A background in molecular biology and human disease related fields
• Good understanding of NGS library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing
• Ability to work well in teams and across disciplines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The candidate should be passionate and self-motivated with a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training
• Job level (Scientist I/Scientist II) will be determined based on relevant industry experience

Pay ranges between 40-48/hr based on experience