Scientist II (Cepheid Only)

The Fountain Group; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a Scientist – Molecular Biology / NGS for Sunnyvale, CA. This hands-on role focuses on developing and optimizing automated workflows for NGS library preparation and nucleic acid processing, with a 3-month assignment.

You will perform experiments, troubleshoot workflows, analyze results, and support verification, validation, and technology transfer activities across cartridge-based systems and integrated sample-to-library workflows.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of molecular biology or genomics lab experience.
• Hands-on NGS library preparation.
• Automated nucleic acid extraction and sample processing.
• Lab automation platform operation and troubleshooting.
• PCR and DNA/RNA extraction.
• Nucleic acid quantification, normalization, pooling, QC.
• Integration of molecular biology workflows into automated systems.
• Experimental design, data analysis, documentation.
• Genomics instrumentation and software.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and optimization of automated molecular biology workflows for NGS applications.
• Perform experiments, troubleshoot workflows, analyze results.
• Support technology transfer, verification, and validation activities.

Skills

5 years molecular biology

NGS library prep

Nucleic acid extraction

Automation troubleshooting

PCR & extraction

Nucleic acid QC

Workflow integration

Experimental design

Genomics software

Education

Bachelor/Master in Molecular Biology

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Scientist – Molecular Biology / NGS
Location:Sunnyvale, CA
Pay Rate: $41.22/hr
Duration: 3 months

Support the development and optimization of automated molecular biology workflows for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications. This hands-on laboratory role focuses on nucleic acid processing, NGS library preparation, workflow automation, and integration of molecular biology processes into cartridge-based consumables and closed sample-to-library systems. Perform experiments, troubleshoot workflows, analyze results, and support technology transfer, verification, and validation activities.

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.

Required Skills

• 3–5 years of molecular biology or genomics laboratory experience

• Hands-on NGS library preparation

• Automated nucleic acid extraction and sample processing

• Laboratory automation platform operation and troubleshooting

• PCR and DNA/RNA extraction

• Nucleic acid quantification, normalization, pooling, and library QC

• Integration of molecular biology workflows into automated or semi-automated systems

• Experimental design, data analysis, and technical documentation

• Genomics instrumentation and analytical software

Preferred Skills

• Oxford Nanopore or Illumina sequencing technologies

• Cartridge-based or consumable-based automated workflow development

• Automated magnetic bead purification and nucleic acid cleanup

• NGS data analysis

• Assay development and sequencing workflow optimization

• Biological sample processing

• Product development, verification, and validation experience