Biomedical Specialist - Applied Genomics, Computation & Translational Core

Job Description

The Genomics Core is looking for a Biomedical Specialist to join the team!

The Cedars-Sinai Applied Genomics, Computation, and Translational Core (AGCT Core) is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art genomics facility offering data generation and interpretation for basic science and translational research in next-generation sequencing technologies, including single cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and bulk cell omics. We specialize in single cell omics and spatial transcriptomics via the 10x Genomics, Parse Biosciences, Mission Bio, and NanoString platforms. Our R&D team offers sample preparation for single cell assays, such as nuclei isolation from frozen tissue or single cell isolation from fresh tissue dissociation. The AGCT Core also offers comprehensive services for standard bulk cell sequencing in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metagenomics. To learn more please visit Applied Genomics, Computation & Translational Core | Cedars-Sinai.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Genomics Core Biomedical Specialist is responsible for carrying out wet lab procedures involving DNA/RNA isolation from various sources such as cells, tissue, FFPE curls and scrapes, and blood. In addition, they possess expertise in the complete Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflow, which includes DNA/RNA quantification and quality control (QC) analysis, manual library preparation, library quantification and QC analysis, sequencing on the Illumina platform, and analysis of sequencing metrics.

As part of their duties, the Biomedical Specialist will ensure accurate and up-to-date electronic documentation using an electronic lab notebook, project management software, and laboratory information management system. They will also manually prepare libraries for bulk cell, single cell, and spatial omics, covering transcriptomics (RNA-Seq), genomics (WGS/WES), epigenomics (WGBS, ATAC-Seq), and metagenomics (16S/ITS amplicon sequencing, shotgun).

Overall, this position involves hands-on work in a wet lab environment, focusing on DNA/RNA isolation and various aspects of the NGS workflow, as well as documentation and library preparation for different omics applications.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Train, guide, and supervise a team of junior associates.
• Train and supervise junior associates on Next-Generation Sequencing experiments, procedures, and day-to-day service request fulfillment and lab operations.
• Effectively communicate needs and requirements to junior associates as required for the management of service requests and day-to-day lab operations.
• Manage junior associate performance, mentor and coach, and seek opportunities to help them grow and become their best.
• Assign service requests to junior associates and ensure their proper execution and successful completion.
• Ensure the availability of all required resources for the execution of service requests.
• Liaise with investigators regarding service requests.
• Participate in the planning, execution, and troubleshooting of service requests.
• Provide research and input on new technologies and assays for testing to possibly develop and implement new service offerings.
• Execute or manage the execution of projects testing new technologies, assays, or kits.
• Analyze, summarize, and present findings at monthly R&D meetings.
• Assist with the implementation of new technologies, assays, or kits into new service offerings by writing and reviewing standard operating procedures, service guidelines, and staff training guides, and training junior associates.
• Receive, store, and document samples.
• Attend meetings and seminars/webinars as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Sciences in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or Biological Sciences is required. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• Two (2) years of laboratory experience are required. Five (5) years is preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience performing NGS library preparation in bulk cell genomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomics.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in the operation of Illumina sequencers and Agilent Technologies fragment analyzers.
• Minimum one (1) year of supervisory and training experience.
• Experience in single cell NGS assays and cell biology is preferred.
• Critical analysis, problem-solving, troubleshooting, multitasking, time management, following through tasks with details, working independently with minimal supervision.
• Interact with professionalism with teammates, peers, researchers, investigators, and support staff of diverse backgrounds and educational levels.
• Respond to rapidly changing priorities and exceptionally diverse demands through constant interruptions in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Must be self-motivated, take initiative, enjoy learning, and willing to take on new challenges while independently executing new or unusual and complex technical procedures and protocols.
• Work cooperatively with other personnel as part of a team to accomplish daily and weekly goals.
• Proficient in PC (or Mac) skills as well as demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with single-cell sequencing, including sample preparation, library construction, data analysis, and interpretation; hands-on expertise in spatial profiling and spatial biology technologies; advanced knowledge of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, applications, and troubleshooting; prior supervisory or team leadership experience with responsibility for mentoring staff and coordinating workflows; and demonstrated experience developing and delivering technical training programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and competency assessments for laboratory personnel.