Senior Scientist (Supervisor) #4874

GRAIL; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 122,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

GRAIL is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead platform troubleshooting and assay development while building a high‑performing team of scientists and research associates. This role provides scientific and technical supervision, mentors staff, and collaborates cross‑functionally to ensure reliable platform operation and ongoing innovation.

Responsibilities include designing experiments, analyzing results, developing protocols, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field with 2–5 years of experience; OR Master’s with 5–8 years; OR Bachelor’s with 8+ years.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related approaches.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments independently from concept to data interpretation.
• Strong publications, presentations, or project outcomes showing technical contributions.
• Proficiency with laboratory techniques and data analysis tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical reports and publications.
• Knowledge of GMP/ISO/CAP/CLIA and related regulatory standards relevant to medical device/biotech.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to support platform troubleshooting and research objectives.
• Analyze, interpret, and present results to identify root causes of platform performance issues.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot methods to improve platform performance and data quality.
• Investigate challenges, identify variability sources, and implement corrective actions for reliable operation.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, and career development for direct reports.
• Establish team priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and documentation of investigations and findings.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and integrate findings into R&D.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein chemistry

Experimental design

Publications/presentation

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Data analysis tools

Regulatory standards knowledge

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 a scientific and people supervisor responsible for driving platform troubleshooting and assay development while building, leading, and developing a high-performing team of scientists and research associates. This role provides scientific and technical supervision, oversees execution of research activities, establishes team priorities, mentors and develops talent, and collaborates cross‑functionally to ensure reliable platform operation and continuous innovation.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to support platform troubleshooting, optimization, and other research objectives.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to identify root causes of platform performance issues and provide scientifically sound recommendations.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, protocols, and workflows to improve platform performance, robustness, efficiency, and data quality.
• Investigate technical challenges, identify sources of variability, and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable platform operation.
• Provide day‑to‑day supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and career development for direct reports.
• Establish team priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely execution of project deliverables.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation summarizing troubleshooting investigations, platform performance, and research findings.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve platform‑related issues and integrate findings into broader research and development strategies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards while maintaining platform reliability and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 2‑5 years of relevant research or industry experience; OR Master’s degree with 5‑8 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental approaches.
• Proven experience in independently designing and executing experiments from concept to data interpretation.
• Strong track record of technical contributions in research, as evidenced by publications, presentations, or project outcomes.
• Proficiency with relevant laboratory techniques and data analysis tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, publications, and presentations.
• Demonstrated level of knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position’s complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance. Minimal applicable standards for this position include:
  • GMP quality management systems (e.g. ISO 13485)
  • Clinical laboratory regulations (e.g. CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189)
  • Operations within the regulated medical device environment (e.g. IVDD, IVDR, FDA 21 CFR 800 series, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced technical and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, including the capacity to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to lead and mentor less‑experienced team members.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional research environments.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to contribute to the development of new technologies and approaches.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work will be performed in an office environment and in a laboratory setting with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
• Requires consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.
• May involve extended hours to meet deadlines or conduct time‑sensitive experiments.
• Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, pipetting, and handling laboratory equipment and samples.

The expected, full‑time, annual base pay scale for this position is $122K - $147K. 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. 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 [e-mail] 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!