Senior Research Associate, NGS - Genomics Platform (Fixed-Term Contract)

Arc Institute; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Arc Institute in Palo Alto seeks a Senior Research Associate for the Genomics Platform. This fixed-term 12-month onsite role focuses on producing high-quality sequencing data across Illumina platforms, coordinating projects, and maintaining robust workflows within a collaborative lab culture.

You will QC, pool, and operate sequencing runs, support sample submission processes, and help optimize LIMS/ELN usage while engaging with investigators across the institute.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology or related field.
• 4+ years (or MS with 2+ years) of relevant post-graduate experience in biotech/pharma or a research lab.
• Fundamental molecular biology concepts.
• Hands‑on experience with nucleic acid extraction, purification and quantification (Qubit, Bioanalyzer/ Tapestation), PCR/RT-PCR, qPCR.
• NGS technologies and workflows including library prep, library QC, pooling, sequencing operations, Illumina instrumentation.
• Strong collaboration and customer support in a shared platform setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail in executing standardized workflows across multiple projects.
• Self-starter with drive for excellence and problem-solving abilities.
• Automation platforms and high-throughput molecular workflows are a plus.
• Single-cell RNA-sequencing experience (10x Genomics or other) is a plus.
• Experience with processing mammalian cells and tissues is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform NGS library QC, pooling, and sequencing operations for bulk and single-cell workflows across platforms (Illumina, Ultima Genomics).
• Coordinate sequencing projects with investigators and Technology Centers; review submissions and guide users on workflows and troubleshooting.
• Utilize and improve LIMS/ELN for sample tracking and sequencing operations.
• Carry out continuous process improvement for data generation workflows and procedures.
• Maintain sequencing schedules, sample tracking records, and SOPs to support reliable platform operations.
• Summarize, document, and present results to stakeholders inside and outside the Genomics Platform group.
• Support routine lab activities, including equipment maintenance and ordering supplies.
• Perform other duties and contribute to a collaborative, high-quality lab culture.

Skills

NGS workflows

Molecular biology

Quality control

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

BS/MS degree in genomics or related field

Tools

Illumina instruments

Qubit

Bioanalyzer

Tapestation

LIMS/ELN

Job description

Senior Research Associate, NGS - Genomics Platform (Fixed-Term Contract)

About Arc Institute

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, working to accelerate scientific progress and understand the root causes of complex diseases. Founded in 2021 and based in Palo Alto, Arc partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.

Unlike academia, our scientists have long-term funding and industry-like resources. Unlike industry, they're free to pursue high-risk, long-term research without commercial pressures. Arc's Technology Centers and Core Investigator labs work side by side, integrating experimental and computational biology under one roof to tackle problems neither could solve alone.

Our two Institute Initiatives reflect this model in action:

• Virtual Cell Initiative: Building a full-stack virtual cell model to identify disease mechanisms and nominate drug targets, accelerating the path from biological insight to clinical trials.
• Alzheimer's Disease Initiative: Mapping the genes, pathways, and environmental factors behind Alzheimer's disease to develop drug candidates that address root causes.

More than 300 Arconauts work together at our Palo Alto headquarters, backed by substantial long-term philanthropic funding.

About the position:

We are seeking a highly motivated, well-organized, and technically proficient Senior Research Associate to join the Genomics Platform of the Multi-omic technology center. This will be a fixed-term, 12-month position based onsite 5 days a week in Palo Alto. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

In this role, you will report to the Associate Director of the Genomics Platform and play a key role in delivering high-quality sequencing data for institute-scale initiatives and investigator-led research. You will work closely with scientists across Arc to coordinate sequencing submissions, perform sequencing operations, ensure rigorous quality control, and help maintain efficient, reliable production workflows across multiple next-generation sequencing platforms. This is primarily a production sequencing operations role. Success in this role is measured by delivering high-quality sequencing data through reliable execution, strong operational discipline, and excellent collaboration with sample submitters.

Job responsibilities:

• Perform NGS library QC, pooling, and sequencing operations for bulk and single-cell workflows across multiple platforms (Illumina, Ultima Genomics).
• Partner with investigators and Technology Centers to coordinate sequencing projects, review submissions, and guide users on workflows, requirements, and troubleshooting.
• Utilize and help improve laboratory information management systems (LIMS/ELN) for sample tracking and sequencing operations.
• Carry out continuous process improvement for data generation workflows and procedures.
• Maintain sequencing schedules, sample tracking records, and SOPs to support reliable platform operations.
• Summarize, document, and present results to stakeholders within and outside the Genomics Platform group.
• Support routine lab activities, e.g. maintaining equipment, ordering / receiving supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned and contribute to a collaborative, high-quality lab culture.

Job Requirements:

• BS/MS degree in genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology or related field
• BS with 4+ years (or MS with 2+ years) of relevant post-graduate experience, preferably in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry in a clinical diagnostics, biotech or research lab setting.
• Firm understanding of fundamental molecular biology concepts.
• Hands‑on experience with basic molecular biology and QC techniques including nucleic acid extraction, purification and quantification (using Qubit and Bioanalyzer/ Tapestation), PCR/RT-PCR, qPCR.
• Expertise in NGS technologies and workflows, including library preparation, library quality assessment, pooling strategies, sequencing operations, and Illumina instrumentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse scientific users and deliver excellent customer support in a shared platform setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with high attention to detail in executing standardized workflows across multiple concurrent projects.
• Drive for excellence and a self‑starter.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues
• Ability to work with minimal to moderate supervision in a dynamic environment and under tight deadlines.
• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput molecular workflows is a plus.
• Experience with single‑cell RNA‑sequencing using the 10x Genomics or other platform is a plus.
• Experience with processing mammalian cells and tissues is a plus.

The base salary range for this position is $84,250 to $114,250. These amounts reflect the range of base salary that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual base compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits.

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