Freenome is seeking a Research Associate II to develop genomic assay technologies and contribute to their multiomic product portfolio for early cancer detection. The role aims to develop, optimize, and characterize automated workflows to improve experimental and clinical throughput in a regulated high-throughput environment, and to transfer complex methodologies to Operations to ensure high-quality data production.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience in Next-gen sequencing (NGS) based automated assay development including extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing
- Hands-on experience in nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and quantification (DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, Qubit, Fragment Analyzer, Tapestation)
- Experience in working with ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in NGS workflows
- Experience with automated platforms in plate-based, low-volume formats and experience working with automated liquid handlers
- Ability to perform data analysis and to be critical of results obtained during experimentation
- Experience in programing in a scientific programming language (e.g., Python or R)
Responsibilities
- Apply hands-on knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic-acid biochemistry and next generation sequencing to develop and optimize NGS based methods and processes following principles of Design Controls for IVD development
- Design and perform experiments to develop and optimize NGS workflow including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing
- Operate and maintain NGS related instruments such as automated liquid handlers, PCR instruments, and sequencers
- Conduct new reagents testing and develop reagent quality control methods
- Participate in troubleshooting issues, identify and implement process improvement for the entire analytical workflow
- Collaborate with research, computational scientists, and automation engineers to transfer research prototype assays from Research to Development
- Collaborate with Quality Control Lab, Manufacturing lab, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer reagent quality control methods and manufacturing processes from Development to Operations and support the implementation of the methods and processes in Operations
Other
- Bachelor’s in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of experience in the life sciences or Master’s in molecular biology or a related field
- High attention to detail and ability to record accurate and detailed observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting as required
- Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines
- Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, GLP/GCLP, IVD development) strongly desired
- Accurately record results in electronic lab notebooks, author work instructions and record forms, contribute to writing study protocols and reports. Diligently apply current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP)
