Principal Scientist I - Reagent/Assay Development

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The Position

As a Principal Scientist I, Reagent/Assay Development will contribute to the development and optimization of reagents and assays for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications. This role combines hands-on laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting to improve reagent and workflow performance, robustness, and manufacturability. The scientist will work closely with cross-functional teams, including automation, software, engineering, quality, and operations, to support product development and transfer to manufacturing.
 

The Opportunity

• Conducting experiments to evaluate and optimize the performance of reagents, including assessing their stability, formulation, and manufacturing tolerances. 
• Designing, developing, and validating assays to assess the quality of both incoming and manufactured reagents. 
• Contributing to the establishment of manufacturing processes for reagents and transferring these processes to operations. 
• Analyzing experimental data, forming conclusions and suggesting future experiments, generating reports, and presenting findings to project teams. 
• Identifying and resolving issues related to reagent performance, assay development, or manufacturing processes. 
• Working closely with other scientists, engineers, and operations personnel to ensure the successful development and implementation of new reagents. 
• Adhering to good laboratory practices, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the proper maintenance of laboratory equipment, laboratory spaces, and inventory
• Keeping up-to-date with scientific literature and technological advancements in the field of reagent development. 

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience with NGS workflows, reagent development, and assay development in a product-development environment.
• A Master's degree or Ph.D is preferred, as well as 8–10 years of experience
• Proven expertise in assay optimization, versatile laboratory practice, and robust experimental design.

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

• Experience with laboratory automation and automated instrumentation, including workflow development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages for data analysis, visualization, and/or automation.
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process optimization is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with automation, software, and mechanical engineering teams is a plus.

Relocation Benefits are not offered for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position is based on the primary location of California is $110,500 - $173,800. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed in this link.

Benefits

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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