Staff Scientist, Assay R&D #4832

BioSpace; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 133,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

GRAIL, headquartered in California with locations including North Carolina, seeks a Staff Scientist to provide scientific leadership across multiple projects in molecular biology and related disciplines. You will design and execute complex experiments, mentor junior scientists, and drive innovative methodologies for cancer detection programs.

The role requires a PhD with 5+ years (or equivalent) and strong communication, data analysis, and regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related discipline with 5+ years experience; OR Master’s with 8+ years; OR Bachelor’s with 12+ years.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful results.
• Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or leadership.
• Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
• Effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Regulatory knowledge relevant to GMP/clinical lab standards as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex experiments to advance research objectives.
• Develop and implement novel methods, technologies, and workflows.
• Analyze and present scientific data with recommendations influencing project decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate findings into strategy.
• Author technical reports, publications, and presentations.
• Mentor junior scientists and staff to foster development and excellence.
• Serve as subject matter expert on design, data interpretation, and challenges.
• Monitor trends, evaluate technologies, and recommend adoption.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein chemistry

Data analysis

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

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 Staff Scientist is an experienced research professional who provides scientific leadership across multiple projects and contributes to strategic research objectives. This role involves designing and executing complex experiments, developing novel methodologies, and applying advanced scientific expertise to solve challenging problems in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines. The Staff Scientist mentors junior scientists, serves as a subject matter expert, and plays a critical role in shaping project direction and driving innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex experiments to advance research and development objectives.
• Develop and implement novel experimental methods, technologies, and workflows.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data, providing recommendations that influence project and program decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into larger organizational strategies.
• Author technical reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Mentor and coach junior scientists and technical staff, fostering development and scientific excellence.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and technical challenges.
• Monitor scientific trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful scientific results.
• Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or project leadership.
• Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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)
• Note: these requirements do not apply for research positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful scientific results.
• Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or project leadership.
• Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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)
• Note: these requirements do not apply for research positions.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

• 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 critical deadlines or support 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 $133,000 - $176,000. 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 [email protected] 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!