Staff Scientist, Spatial Genomics R&D

Takara Bio USA, Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Staff Scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge assays for spatial transcriptomics. This hands-on role involves managing projects from concept through commercialization, working across R&D, Engineering, and Marketing. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in molecular biology and NGS library preparation, along with a passion for translating scientific ideas into novel applications. Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving health and the environment through biotechnology, where your contributions will have a significant impact on the human condition.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years post-Ph.D. experience in academia and industry.
• Strong track record in developing NGS-based products.
• Hands-on experience with tissue handling and assays.

Responsibilities

• Manage spatial transcriptomics projects from planning to execution.
• Design and interpret experiments while influencing stakeholders.
• Develop and launch new products according to market analysis.

Skills

Molecular Biology

NGS Library Preparation

Single-Cell Technologies

Experimental Design

Data Analysis

Bioinformatics

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Matlab

Job description

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Job Title: Staff Scientist, Spatial Genomics R&D

Reports to: Director, Assay Applications Spatial Genomics R&D

FLSA Class: Exempt

Learn more about our company and how we support you:

Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!

At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best-in-class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and—often—hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology…and That's Good Science!

How this role drives the company forward:

The Staff Scientist is a hands-on, project-oriented professional who manages projects independently through all stages of product development, from Proof of Concept, through Research and Development, to Product Launch and application development. A Staff scientist designs, executes, analyzes, and interprets experiments, as well as influences stakeholders across functional areas, working with other colleagues in R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.

The Staff Scientist role is lab-based.

Occasional travel, including overnight, may be required (e.g., to attend conferences).

How you will make an impact:

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Staff Scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge assays for our spatial transcriptomics platform. In this highly cross-functional role, you will drive assay innovation from concept through commercialization, with a focus on molecular biology, NGS library preparation, and single-cell/spatial technologies. The staff scientist will design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments, as well as influence stakeholders across functional areas, working with other colleagues in R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations. The ideal candidate is a scientist with deep technical expertise and a track record of delivering robust, scalable assays in the genomics space.

What will you do:

• Manages one or more spatial transcriptomics projects, including project planning, scheduling, execution, design, and communication with other departments.
• Exhibits strong skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis, summary and interpretation.
• Independently authors all documents, including SOPs and presentations related to the different stages of product development and the product launch process.
• Works closely and independently, through regular communication, with Marketing and senior members of the R&D team to understand market trends and competition relevant to products worked on.
• Proposes new products for development based on this analysis and works independently with Marketing (Product Managers and/or Market Strategy Managers) to design appropriate specifications and estimate product revenue potential.
• Develops and launches new products according to approved proposals and within stated deadlines.
• Builds a network of collaborations with internal and external researchers.
• Serves as a resource to R&D and other departments within the organization, including Marketing and Operations – especially during product development and launch.
• Represents R&D at scientific meetings in front of customers and/or collaborators, including presenting seminars on TBUSA products they have developed.
• Serves to support Sales and Technical Support representatives on technical matters.
• This position may supervise a Research Associate and/or junior Scientist.
  
  
  

How will you get here?

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field, followed by a minimum of 5 to 8 years post-Ph.D. experience in academia and industry.
• Deep expertise in NGS library prep methods, spatial transcriptomics, and/or single-cell workflows, including design and execution.
• Strong track record of developing and launching NGS based products, preferably related to single-cell and/or spatial genomics applications.
• Hands-on experience with FFPE/fresh frozen tissue handling, NGS library barcoding strategies, and enzymatic assays.
• Preferrably, proficiency in basic bioinformatics and data analysis of single cell and/or spatial data; ability to write or adapt code in R, Python or Matlab for data processing and interpretation.
• Strong interest in technology development and translating scientific ideas into novel applications.
• Basic knowledge of U.S. intellectual property laws and/or process.
• Effective analytical and critical thinking skills, including excellent attention to detail, grounded knowledge of troubleshooting, and strong quantitative background.
• Collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  
  
  

AAP/EEO Statement:

Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

Additional Information about the role:

Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in Palo Alto, CA, is $160,000 - $170,000 USD. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at https://www.takarabio.com/about/careers/company-benefits. Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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