Senior Cytogenomics & NGS Research Associate

Astellas; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Annual Corporate Bonus

Long Term Incentive Plan

Company fleet vehicle

Job summary

Astellas is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Cytogenomics in Westborough, MA to execute advanced molecular workflows with a focus on NGS applications, including bulk, single-cell, and targeted sequencing using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.

You will also support automation, primary human cell culture, data review, and documentation, contributing to robust assay development in a collaborative, regulated lab.

Qualifications

• BS with 8+ years or MS with 4+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Significant hands-on experience performing next-generation sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, library construction, library quality control, and sequencing run execution.
• Experience with one or more NGS applications, such as bulk DNA or RNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, or targeted-capture sequencing.
• Hands-on experience operating Illumina sequencing platforms or comparable short-read sequencing technologies.
• Strong technical proficiency in core molecular biology methods, including nucleic acid extraction, quantification, quality assessment, amplification, and library preparation.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex molecular or sequencing workflows.
• Experience operating liquid-handling systems or other laboratory automation platforms, including automated method execution and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience culturing primary human cells using rigorous aseptic technique and established cell culture practices.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret experimental and quality-control data, identify technical issues, maintain accurate experimental records, and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and work effectively within cross-functional scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute Advanced NGS Workflows: Perform bulk, single-cell, and targeted-capture sequencing workflows using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, from sample preparation to library QC and through sequencing run completion.
• Perform Molecular Biology Methods: Execute nucleic acid extraction, quantification, quality assessment, library preparation, target enrichment, amplification, and other high-complexity molecular workflows.
• Support Workflow Development and Optimization: Evaluate, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular and sequencing methods, strategies, and SOPs to improve assay performance, robustness, throughput, and reproducibility.
• Implement Laboratory Automation: Develop, execute, and maintain automated workflows using liquid handling platforms, including method programming, optimization, troubleshooting, and routine operation.
• Perform Primary Human Cell Culture: Culture, maintain, expand, and experimentally manipulate primary human cells using rigorous aseptic technique and established cell-culture standards.
• Analyze and Communicate Experimental Results: Familiarize and adhere to the organizational policy on data integrity. Review experimental and sequencing quality-control data, identify technical issues or trends, document findings, and communicate results clearly to project teams and scientific stakeholders.
• Maintain Laboratory Readiness and Documentation: Maintain accurate experimental records, follow established procedures, support instrument maintenance and laboratory organization, and contribute to the preparation and revision of protocols, methods, and technical reports.

Education

BS with 8+ years or MS with 4+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, biotechnology, or related field

Tools

Illumina sequencing platforms

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

Liquid-handling systems

Job description

Astellas is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Cytogenomics in Westborough, MA to execute advanced molecular workflows with a focus on NGS applications, including bulk, single-cell, and targeted sequencing using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.

You will also support automation, primary human cell culture, data review, and documentation, contributing to robust assay development in a collaborative, regulated lab.