Scientist 1, Development - 9 month contract

Job Title: Scientist 1, Development – 9 month contract Job Number: 37541 Location: San Francisco,CA Job Description Seeking a driven Scientist I (contract) to join a product development team, primarily in a hands‑on lab role focused on building and refining high‑throughput diagnostic assays. This position leads day‑to‑day bench work, contributes to experimental design and documentation, and helps generate high‑quality data under rigorous standards for regulated assay development. Responsibilities Plan and execute characterization studies to support analytical validation using automated NGS‑based workflows. Source, qualify, and prepare contrived and clinical samples for pre‑validation and validation activities. Partner with senior scientists to design clear, interpretable experiments and analysis plans. Draft SOPs, study protocols, and reports suitable for inclusion in formal design and quality documentation. Coordinate reagents, equipment, and sample logistics for verification and validation activities in a clinical lab setting. Help mature and transfer automated assays from research into routine production. Collaborate on troubleshooting efforts across R&D and adjacent lab teams. Apply deep assay expertise and molecular biology/biochemistry knowledge to guide study design, data review, and optimization. Maintain high standards for sample handling, QC, and traceability in high‑throughput environments. Work effectively with cross‑functional partners in automation, informatics, clinical operations, regulatory, and commercial teams. Required Skills Who You Are Hands‑on molecular biology experience, including NGS and common QC methods (e.g. Tapestation, Fragment Analyzer, fluorescence‑based quantification, qPCR). Comfortable owning routine bench work and supporting experimental design, execution, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of the biochemistry behind multi‑step molecular biology workflows at the sample prep and assay level. Proven track record in troubleshooting and optimizing molecular biology techniques. Driven, organized, and able to deliver against timelines in a fast‑paced, product‑focused environment. Clear, concise communicator (written and verbal). Able to work independently, use sound judgment, and manage priorities. Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills. Skilled problem‑solver with tact and professionalism when working across teams and with external partners. Adaptable and open‑minded as priorities and resources shift. Willing to question assumptions, share data‑driven perspectives, and ask for clarity when needed. Comfortable operating in matrixed environments with both direct and dotted‑line reporting. Requirements PhD in biology, molecular biology, genetics, or related discipline; oncology experience is a plus. At least 3 years of relevant post‑PhD experience in industry and/or postdoctoral research; experience within regulated product development and quality systems is strongly preferred. Deep experience with molecular genomics (RNA and DNA), including NGS and/or other high‑throughput platforms. Proficiency in genomic data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Compensation: $63-$67/hourly #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center