Staff ScientistBrisbane, CA

CareDx; Brisbane (CA); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Gym reimbursement

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase plan

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Benefits details on company page

Job summary

CareDx is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist to lead sustaining, improvement and product development efforts for our transplant diagnostic assays in our CLIA laboratory. This role serves as a technical lead on cross-functional R&D programs to drive product improvements and innovative development.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in diagnostic product development for gene expression profiling, low input genomics, and regulated development, thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genomics, or related field, with 8+ years in molecular diagnostic assay development.
• Deep expertise with gene expression profiling, nucleic acid extraction methods, low input nucleic acid assays, NGS workflows, and PCR/qPCR.
• Strong experience with assay development, optimization, and validation in regulated environments (CLIA/CAP/FDA/ISO).
• Proven ability to lead projects, solve complex technical problems, and collaborate across functions.
• Experience leading small teams, setting priorities, guiding experimental design, mentoring, and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Excellent communication, data analysis, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for cross-functional programs, translating product needs into technical requirements and performance criteria.
• Lead assay optimization, troubleshooting, and sustaining improvements to ensure performance, robustness, and scalability of complex molecular diagnostic assays.
• Drive new product development, including experimental design, development, and analytical validation.
• Define and execute plans to validate assay performance in accordance with CLSI guidelines.
• Manage and mentor junior scientific personnel while ensuring high-quality data generation, analysis, and reporting.
• Partner cross-functionally (Bioinformatics, Clinical, Regulatory, Operations) to define development strategy and enable technology transfer.

Skills

Leadership/mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Communication skills

Experiment design

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology/Immunology/Genomics (or related)

Tools

NGS workflows

qPCR/PCR

Nucleic acid extraction

Job description

CareDx is a leading precision medicine diagnostics company advancing care in transplant, specialty oncology, and cell therapy. Through our innovative portfolio of molecular diagnostics, digital health solutions, AI-powered data and analytics, and patient support services, we partner with healthcare providers, patients, and biopharma organizations to help inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

At CareDx, every employee has the opportunity to contribute to innovations that help transform patient care and improve lives.

CareDx is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist to lead sustaining, improvement and product development efforts for our transplant diagnostic assays implemented in CareDx's CLIA laboratory. This role will serve as a technical lead on cross-functional R&D programs to drive product improvements and innovative product development. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Diagnostic Product Development in gene expression profiling, low input genomics assays, and regulated diagnostic development, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership for cross-functional programs, translating product needs into technical requirements and performance criteria
• Lead assay optimization, troubleshooting, and sustaining improvements to ensure performance, robustness, and scalability of complex molecular diagnostic assays
• Drive new product development, including experimental design, development, and analytical validation
• Define and execute plans to validate assay performance in accordance with CLSI guidelines
• Manage and mentor junior scientific personnel while ensuring high-quality data generation, analysis, and reporting
• Partner cross-functionally (Bioinformatics, Clinical, Regulatory, Operations) to define development strategy and enable technology transfer

Minimum Education, Experience, & Specialized Knowledge (Required):

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genomics, or related field, with 8+ years in molecular diagnostic assay development
• Deep expertise and hands on experience with gene expression profiling, nucleic acid extraction methods, low input nucleic acid assays, NGS workflows, and PCR/qPCR.
• Strong experience with assay development, optimization, and validation in regulated environments (CLIA/CAP/FDA/ISO)
• Proven ability to lead projects, solve complex technical problems, and collaborate across functions
• Demonstrated experience leading small teams, including setting priorities, guiding experimental design, mentoring team members and fostering a high performance and collaborative team culture.
• Excellent communication, data analysis, and documentation skills

Additional Details:

Every individual at CareDx has a direct impact on our collective mission to improve the lives of organ transplant patients worldwide. We believe in taking great care of our people, so they take even greater care of our patients.

Our competitive Total Rewards package for US Employees includes:

• Competitive base salary and incentive compensation
• Health and welfare benefits, including a gym reimbursement program
• 401(k) savings plan match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• And more!
• Please refer to our page to view detailed benefits at https://caredx.com/company/careers

In addition, we have a Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy that allows up to 30 days of paid leave annually to a full‑time employee who makes the selfless act of donating an organ or bone marrow.

With products that are making a difference in the lives of transplant patients today and a promising pipeline for the future, it's an exciting time to be part of the CareDx team. Join us in partnering with transplant patients to transform our future together.

CareDx, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer‑vets/disabled, and participates in the E‑Verify program.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

This is the anticipated base salary range for candidates who will work in Brisbane, California. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include, but are not limited to, the type and length of experience within the job, the type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units. CareDx is a multi‑state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

San Francisco Bay Area Roles:

$139,000 - $160,000 USD