Senior Scientist, Operations Investigation Team (OIT) #4936

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 122,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

GRAIL, based in the Durham, NC office, is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Operations Investigation Team. You will independently design, plan, and execute experiments to investigate platform performance issues, analyze data, identify root causes, and propose scientifically sound solutions to improve reliability.

You will develop and optimize methods and workflows, collaborate with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Data Science to resolve issues, document findings,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field with 2+ years experience; OR Master's with 5+ years; OR Bachelor's with 8+ years.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology, NGS, assay development, or related disciplines.
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic workcells) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments independently and solve complex problems.
• Experience with root-cause investigations and practical technical solutions.
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in regulated laboratory environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to investigate platform performance issues and support troubleshooting efforts.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, workflows, and tools to improve robustness and reliability.
• Investigate sources of technical variability and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries to communicate findings.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Data Science to resolve issues.
• Provide expertise in experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Contribute to developing new technologies and process improvements to enhance performance.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

NGS technologies

Assay development

Root-cause investigations

Scientific communication

Data interpretation

Regulated labs

Design of experiments

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology

Masters with 5+ years of experience

Bachelor's with 8+ years of experience

Tools

Liquid handlers

Robotic workcells

Automated sample-processing systems

Job description

Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.

We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.

GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.

For more information, please visit grail.com

The Senior Scientist is an experienced scientific individual contributor responsible for investigating platform and assay performance issues, identifying root causes, and developing technical solutions to improve platform reliability and operational performance. As a member of the Operations Investigation Team (OIT), this role independently conducts scientific investigations, collaborates across functions, and drives continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving and process optimization. This position works on-site full-time, 5 days/week at our office located in Durham, NC

Responsibilities:

• Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to investigate platform performance issues and support troubleshooting efforts. Analyze experimental data, identify root causes, and develop scientifically sound recommendations.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, workflows, and analytical tools to improve platform robustness, reliability, and efficiency.
• Investigate sources of technical variability and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and investigation summaries to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Data Science, to resolve platform-related issues.
• Provide technical expertise in experimental design, troubleshooting strategies, and data interpretation.
• Contribute to the development of new technologies, analytical tools, and process improvements that enhance platform performance.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and applicable regulatory standards.
• These responsibilities summarize the role's primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company's discretion.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology, NGS technologies, assay development, or related experimental disciplines.
• Experience with laboratory or biotech automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic workcells, automated sample-processing systems) is highly desirable.
• Proven experience independently designing and executing experiments and solving complex technical problems.
• Demonstrated experience conducting root-cause investigations and developing practical technical solutions.
• Strong scientific communication and technical presentation skills.
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Strong experimental design and data interpretation capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple investigations and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams.
• Innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Demands and Environment:

• Work may be performed in laboratory and office environments with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
• Requires appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May require extended hours to support critical investigations.
• Regular laboratory activities, including pipetting and operation of laboratory instrumentation.

The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $122,000 - $147,000. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.

This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL's comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time‑off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.

GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [emailprotected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.

GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!