Senior Research Associate

Location: This is a onsite position based in our San Diego, CA office. This person will be required to work onsite 5 days a week. 

The Position:

Veracyte is seeking an outstanding candidate for a full-time Senior Research Associate in the Product Development team at our San Diego location. The Product Development team is tasked with developing high impact diagnostic assays to address unmet clinical need and improve patient outcomes. This on-site role will be primarily working in the laboratory supporting the Product Development team in achieving both short- and long-term goals and is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on, applied skills within an R&D team at an industry-leading diagnostics company.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will contribute as part of a collaborative team to the development of novel next-generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostic assays and the optimization of existing testing methodologies. The role is primarily focused on lab execution, however there will be opportunities to be involved in all aspects of science including experimental planning, troubleshooting, and data analysis.

The tasks include but are not limited to:

· Process FFPE specimens through pre-analytical methods, including extraction of DNA and RNA, as well as QC of the materials.

· Create NGS libraries for sequencing and operate NGS instruments.

· Independently execute experiments, troubleshoot, and solve technical challenges.

· With guidance, plan laboratory experiments aimed at understanding the factors that influence the performance of high complexity molecular diagnostic tests (guardbanding).

· Organize and analyze data or provide data in a consistent and timely manner to specialized data analysis teams. Present results at weekly meetings.

· Work with the automation team to test and provide feedback on newly automated processes and operate liquid handlers to carry out experiments.

· Manage inventory, shipping, and ordering for the SD development team.

· Help to develop and author SOPs, experimental protocols, and technical reports related to experimental studies.

· Work with the Development and CLIA teams to transfer new molecular assays to the clinical laboratory. Carry out design transfer activities including documentation.

· Interact seamlessly with multi-disciplinary teams including the Automation, Data Analysis, CLIA operations teams.

Who You Are:

BS/MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related scientific field. Candidate will have BS/MS with 3+ years of full-time work experience in industry setting.

· Understand the basic biological principles governing molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry underlying laboratory assays. Demonstrate good laboratory practices and adhere to SOPs, as appropriate, when running laboratory experiments.

· Hands-on experience with various molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA extraction and quantification, PCR, and NGS library preparation.

· Experience working with liquid handling platforms is preferred.

· Literacy in MS Office products including Excel and PowerPoint.

· Excellent problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work semi-independently and exercise good judgment.

· Ability to prioritize tasks and work in an efficient and dependable manner.

· Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Goal-oriented and timeline-driven. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment and acknowledge that product timeliness is essential to commercial success.

· Self-motivated, detail-oriented, curious and eager to learn.

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