Research Scientist I/II

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, you will help develop the assay technologies used to analyze patient samples and contribute to our mission of early detection and intervention in human disease. As a Research Scientist I/II, you will provide experience in next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based analyses of DNA. As a Research Scientist in Genomics, you will contribute to the program’s technical base by creating and optimizing new next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays and workflows for DNA/RNA, or to the program’s scientific base by elevating our understanding of the biological context of these assay signals in cancer. In this role, you will perform studies to evaluate emergent technologies that have the potential to improve our diagnostic tests, and collect and analyze NGS datasets (including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics) for biomarker discovery. You will also work closely with computational biologists and machine learning scientists to provide biological and technical insights, and to provide new data sources to enhance ongoing computational research projects.

The role reports to a Manager of Molecular Research. This role will be an Onsite role.

What you’ll do:

• Independently design and execute experiments to help optimize the performance of Freenome’s new or existing assays.
• Prototype new next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, optimize the performance of existing assays, and execute biomarker discovery studies on clinical samples.
• Assist with project planning and timeline generation and work with cross-functional teams to coordinate tasks within and across projects.
• Take detailed notes, gather high-quality data, and openly communicate on lessons learned while performing experiments.
• Independently troubleshoot workflows and understand the rationale behind workflow optimization choices.
• Help with process improvements across the lab by thinking critically about the execution of all experiments.
• Perform advanced analysis and data visualization of results to answer experimental questions and guide next steps.
• Prepare and present experiment or project results at internal meetings, with clear articulation of goals, results, conclusions, and how results presented fit in to broader project.

Must haves:

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field or Bachelor’s or Master’s with 8+ years experience post-Bachelor’s in the life sciences (industry and/or academia).
• Hands-on experience with and expert-level knowledge in NGS based workflows including sample preparation, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Biological understanding of human cell-free nucleic acids, single-cell analysis methods, immunology, and/or cancer biology.
• Ability to perform advanced data analysis and critically examine experimental results.
• Proven track record of designing and running successful experiments, preparing data for review, and giving effective scientific presentations.
• Clear and proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.
• Flexible and highly motivated to learn new skills and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.
  

Nice to haves:

• Ability to perform bioinformatic analysis in a scientific programming language (e.g., Python or R).
• Experience handling and preparing blood and/or tissue samples.
• Experience running high-throughput experimental designs and/or assays on an automated liquid handling platform.
• Experience using ELN (electronic lab notebook) and LIMS (lab information management system).
  

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary rate for new hires is $132,050 - $167,475. You will also be eligible to receive equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

California applicants please review the CCPA Notice at Collection here:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

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