Senior Research Associate

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Cash bonuses

Medical benefits

Job summary

Freenome is seeking a Senior Research Associate to advance genomic assay technologies in a high-throughput clinical lab setting. You will work with Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Computational Biologists to develop automated workflows, from DNA/RNA extraction to sequencing, ensuring high-quality data for early cancer detection.

The role emphasizes hands-on NGS method development, instrument operation, and collaboration with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams to transfer methods to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology or related field with relevant life sciences experience.
• Hands-on NGS-based assay development including extraction, library prep, target capture, sequencing.
• Familiar with molecular biology, genomics, NGS, assay development, sample prep workflows.
• Experience designing, planning, executing experiments, interpreting data, and presenting results.
• High attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot and document observations clearly.
• Ability to perform precise manual pipetting and accurate measurements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Apply molecular biology and NGS expertise to develop and optimize NGS-based methods.
• Design and perform experiments for DNA/RNA extraction, library prep, target capture, and sequencing.
• Operate and maintain NGS instruments and automated platforms.
• Test reagents and develop quality control methods.
• Troubleshoot issues and drive process improvements across workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transfer research to development.
• Document results in ELNs, write SOPs, and support cGLP/cGDP practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Manual pipetting

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

NGS assay development

Education

Bachelor’s in molecular biology or related field

Master’s in molecular biology or related field

Tools

NGS instruments

Automated liquid handlers

Laboratory information systems

Sample tracking systems

Python or R

Job description

About This Opportunity

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Research Associate to help grow the Freenome Genomic Early Development team. As a Senior Research Associate, you will participate in the development of genomic assay technologies and contribute to Freenome’s multiomic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You will work closely with Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Computational Biologists to develop, optimize, and characterize efficient automated workflows to improve experimental and clinical throughput in a regulated high throughput environment. You will also work with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer complex methodologies, processes, and assays to Operations to ensure the highest quality data is produced by our clinical lab. You are passionate about contributing to developing life-saving diagnostics through early cancer detection, and you will have a significant impact on the continued growth of an organization dedicated to changing the entire landscape of cancer.

About This Opportunity

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Research Associate to help grow the Freenome Genomic Early Development team. As a Senior Research Associate, you will participate in the development of genomic assay technologies and contribute to Freenome’s multiomic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You will work closely with Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Computational Biologists to develop, optimize, and characterize efficient automated workflows to improve experimental and clinical throughput in a regulated high throughput environment. You will also work with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer complex methodologies, processes, and assays to Operations to ensure the highest quality data is produced by our clinical lab. You are passionate about contributing to developing life-saving diagnostics through early cancer detection, and you will have a significant impact on the continued growth of an organization dedicated to changing the entire landscape of cancer. The role reports to the Senior Manager of Genomic Early Development team. This role will be an Onsite role based in our Brisbane, California headquarters.

What You’ll Do

• Apply hands-on knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic-acid biochemistry and next generation sequencing to develop and optimize NGS based methods and processes following principles of Design Controls for IVD development.
• Design and perform experiments to develop, optimize, and characterize NGS workflow including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Operate and maintain NGS related instruments such as automated liquid handlers, PCR instruments, and sequencers.
• Conduct new reagents testing and develop reagent quality control methods.
• Participate in troubleshooting issues, identify and implement process improvement for the entire analytical workflow.
• Collaborate with research, computational scientists, and automation engineers to transfer research prototype assays from Research to Development.
• Collaborate with Quality Control Lab, Manufacturing lab, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer reagent quality control methods and manufacturing processes from Development to Operations and support the implementation of the methods and processes in Operations.
• Accurately record results in electronic lab notebooks, author work instructions and record forms, contribute to writing study protocols and reports. Diligently apply current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP).

Must Haves

• Bachelor’s in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience in the life sciences or Master’s in molecular biology or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in Next-gen sequencing (NGS) based assay development including extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Familiarity with molecular biology, genomics, NGS, assay development, sample preparation, reagent handling, or related laboratory workflows (e.g. plasma separation processes, DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and quantification, NGS library preparation).
• Experience designing, planning, and executing successful experiments, interpreting results, preparing data for review, and giving effective scientific presentations.
• High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting as required.
• Ability to manually pipette with high confidence, accuracy, and precision.
• Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute the design and implementation of new processes.
• Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in working with with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in liquid biopsy workflows.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers, laboratory information systems, sample tracking systems, and equipment scheduling/status tools.
• Familiarity with programing in a scientific programming language (e.g., Python or R).

Benefits And Additional Information

The US target range of our base salary rate for new hires is $97,850 - $126,000. You will also be eligible to receive equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered. Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

California applicants please review the CCPA Notice at Collection here:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)