Senior Research Associate

StartX; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 88,200 - 102,900; Full time

Job summary

Karius in Redwood City, CA is seeking a Sr. Research Associate to advance NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics and contribute to non-invasive testing development.

You will work with scientific leaders on projects, perform molecular biology experiments, and support collaborations with external partners to align with shared clinical goals. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a lab setting with nucleic acids/molecular biology expertise and experience with NGS workflows, libraries, and data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field and 5+ years of relevant lab experience.
• Strong molecular biology skills including DNA/RNA prep and PCR/qPCR.
• Experience with NGS library prep and data processing is a big plus.
• Hands-on RNA work desirable and rigorous record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating with external partners is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex molecular biology experiments under guidance.
• Analyze results for quality and reproducibility.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in QMS systems.
• Support lab operations and organize reagents and supplies.
• Troubleshoot workflows and improve protocols.
• Collaborate across teams to meet project goals and timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA/RNA purification

PCR/qPCR

NGS data processing

RNA work

Experiment planning

Record-keeping

Education

B.A./B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field

Tools

NGS instruments

Job description

About Karius

Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body. By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to the microbial landscape to accelerate biomarker discovery and clinical trials, discover novel microbes, to ultimately reduce patient suffering worldwide.

Position Summary

As a Sr. Research Associate, you will work alongside scientific leaders in NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics providing meaningful contributions to making an impact in the lives of patients while contributing to the company’s growth and development. You will also be involved with development projects and be at the forefront of non-invasive diagnostics working alongside our scientists to deliver new products. In addition, you will support collaborations by providing test results to external partners working in this space, helping to advance shared scientific and clinical goals. The ideal candidate should have experience with nucleic acids, NGS, or other molecular biology assays to conduct laboratory experiments under the direction of senior lab personnel.

Why Should You Join Us?

Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The products Karius offers today are some of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our tests are the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.

Reports to: Staff Scientist

Location: Redwood City, CA (HQ)

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute molecular biology experiments of moderate to high complexity with guidance from scientists (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, sequencing-based assays).
• Perform routine analysis of experimental results to confirm quality and reproducibility.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records in accordance with the Karius Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support lab operations, including stocking supplies, organizing reagents, and maintaining readiness of R&D laboratories.
• Assist in troubleshooting and improving molecular biology workflows and protocols.
• Collaborate effectively across teams to meet project goals and timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What’s Fun About the Job?

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.

Travel: No travel required.

Physical Requirements

Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor and moderate noise levels. Work is generally performed in an office, lab or clinical environment.

Position Requirements

• B.A/B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field.
• A minimum of 5+ years of industry related laboratory experience.
• Strong molecular biology skills; e.g. DNA/RNA purification, nucleic acids hybridization, PCR, qPCR.
• Experience with NGS (preparing libraries, running NGS instruments); NGS data processing is a big plus.
• Previous hands‑on work with RNA is desirable.
• Previous exposure to NGS data, analysis, and statistics as well as a willingness to develop skills further is a big plus.
• Critical thinking, attention to detail, and thorough record‑keeping.

Personal Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
• Highly goal-driven and have demonstrated the ability to effectively prioritize and focus on time-sensitive objectives.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth company environment, with the flexibility and drive to support evolving priorities.
• Team player with excellent communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Strong work ethic to generate high quality work under tight deadlines.

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary: $88,200 - $102,900 a year