Scientist I - R&D

Labcorp; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Innovative Environment

Collaborative Culture

Job summary

Labcorp in RTP, NC is seeking a Scientist I – R&D to join our team and advance assay development and validation for molecular diagnostics using NGS technologies. You will design verification and validation studies, generate validation reports, and participate in technology transfer to clinical laboratory operations.

The role emphasizes data interpretation, documentation, and collaboration with Bioinformatics, QA, Regulatory Affairs, and Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field with relevant experience.
• PhD with experience in molecular diagnostics, genomics, or biotechnology is acceptable.
• 3+ years of experience with Next-Generation Sequencing workflows and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and implement molecular diagnostic assays using NGS technologies.
• Design and execute assay verification and validation studies for germline and somatic testing.
• Generate validation protocols, study plans, and final validation reports per regulatory and quality requirements.
• Assist in technology transfer from R&D to clinical lab operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

PhD in related field

Tools

NGS workflows

NGS instrumentation

Python

R

Job description

Labcorp is a global leader in laboratory services, providing the insights and answers that help healthcare providers, patients, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve outcomes. Through our unparalleled science, data, technology and laboratory network, we advance diagnostics, accelerate innovation and help address some of the world’s most important health challenges. As we shape the future of healthcare, we are leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent digital solutions and data-driven innovation across our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients. With our global scale and deep expertise, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, grow your career and make a real impact on people’s health around the world. Together, we’re improving health and improving lives.

Labcorp is seeking a Scientist I – R&D to join our team in RTP, NC!

Job Responsibilities

Assay Development & Validation

• Support development, optimization, and implementation of molecular diagnostic assays utilizing NGS technologies.
• Design and execute assay verification and validation studies for germline and somatic testing applications.
• Generate validation protocols, study plans, and final validation reports in accordance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Perform analytical studies evaluating sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, reproducibility, limit of detection, and other performance characteristics.
• Assist in technology transfer activities from R&D to clinical laboratory operations.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Analyze and interpret NGS assay performance data.
• Evaluate sequencing quality metrics, assay performance indicators, and validation study results.
• Summarize findings and present recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental designs, results, analyses, and conclusions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare technical documentation including:
  • Validation protocols
  • Validation reports
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Technical summaries
  • Risk assessments
• Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with laboratory quality standards.
• Assist in developing and maintaining design history and validation documents.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Bioinformatics, Clinical Laboratory, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Operations.
• Participate in troubleshooting assay performance issues and identifying process improvements.
• Stay current with advancements in molecular diagnostics, genomics, and NGS technologies.
• Represent R&D at Core Team project meetings, ensuring clear communication of project priorities, timelines, status, and cross-functional alignment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Sciences with 5 or more years of experience in molecular diagnostics, genomics, or biotechnology OR PhD with 2 or more years of experience in molecular diagnostics, genomics, or biotechnology.
• 3 or more years of experience with Next-Generation Sequencing workflows and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience with validation of molecular diagnostic assays. 1 or more years of experience in bioinformatics including NGS data analysis pipelines and variant interpretation.
• 2 or more years of experience with somatic oncology testing or hereditary disease testing.
• 1 or more years of experience in statistical analysis using R, Python, JMP, or Minitab.

Additional Job Standards

• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare detailed technical documentation and validation reports.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation, and sequencing methods.
• Familiarity with CLIA, CAP, NYS, FDA, or ISO-regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience analyzing experimental data and preparing technical reports.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Project management experience including planning, tracking timelines, and coordinating cross-functional activities.

At Labcorp, You Can Expect The Following

• Innovative Environment: Join a leading healthcare organization committed to driving innovation through internal development to help improve health and improve lives. You participate in cutting edge projects that change the course of our industry on a daily basis.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a dynamic, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.

Benefits

• Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan.
• Employees who are regularly scheduled to work a 7 on/7 off schedule are eligible to receive all the foregoing benefits except PTO or FTO.
• For more detailed information, pleaseclick here.

Labcorp Is Proud To Be An Equal Opportunity Employer

Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law.

We encourage all to apply

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