Principal Scientist I

Principal Scientist

Company is developing a novel, single molecule Next Generation Sequencing platform that aims to bring DNA and RNA sequencing-based diagnostic assays to patients everywhere. The Assays and Biomarkers group is part of the Research and Early Development and is tasked with designing the workflows, reagents and kits needed to analyze clinical specimens on the new NGS platform, as well as demonstrating the performance of the most valuable clinical applications on the new chemistry. As a Principal Scientist you will be at the forefront of this exciting research. The work combines platform development, assay research and development, workflow design (manual as well as automated) and clinical applications development. You will work within a high performing team of molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, engineers, chemists, and market analysts, to help bring the best NGS-based clinical assays to the public.

Responsibilities:

• Leads, manages and mentors a team of Scientists and Sr. Scientists in the design, planning and execution of assigned research.
• Performs hand-on research activities at the bench.
• Generates technical requirements for new instruments and next generation sequencing platform.
• Validates workflows and applications for new next generation sequencing platform.
• Independently defines and plans project goals, and achieves them with the help of the team.
• Makes recommendations, and when appropriate, acts independently to resolve scientific problems encountered during experimental procedures.
• Ensures activities are consistent with project critical path, and responds appropriately to changing priorities.
• Accurately, consistently, and promptly records experimental methods, materials and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Analyzes data, evaluates results, forms conclusions and implements/documents process improvements.
• Integrates previous and current results to determine next experimental steps and the impact on long-term project goals.
• Guides team members to the planning, prioritization, execution and analysis of experiments, and helps them analyze and interpret results, generate reports, troubleshoot problems and formulate solutions based on scientific knowledge and past experience.
• Presents findings at group or departmental meetings.
• Applies advanced technical writing skills to produce reports and documents.
• Prepares summaries, memos, internal reports, presentations, manuscripts, etc.
• Serves as a resource to other departments (e.g., Development, Manufacturing/Operations, Quality, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Studies, Bioinformatics and International Technical Services), provides timely response and follow-ups.
• Participates in the expeditious transfer of products and technologies by providing scientific knowledge and assistance.
• Has supervisory responsibilities; provides guidance to new team members and builds professional relationships.
• Work involves troubleshooting and resolving difficult problems in creative ways.
• Takes a new perspective on existing solutions, exploring and implementing new concepts and methodologies.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities. Formal Training/Education: MS required in Biology, Chemistry, Biological Science or equivalent. PhD preferred. Typically 3 years of relevant experience, 6+ years preferred Experience in team management and mentoring. Knowledge and experience in experimental design, data analysis, and data and concept presentation. Strong communication and organization skills. General molecular biology hands-on skills. Hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing, e.g. Illumina, Ion Torrent, or PacBio platforms Experience in nucleic acid sample preparation, including DNA / RNA extractions, QC, library construction, target enrichment. Experience with new instrument and platform development. Experience with various types of clinical specimen and sample types for NGS, including purified DNA, bacterial pellets, fresh and FFPE tissue material, blood, etc. Experience in verification / validation experimental design, statistical data analysis and interpretation. Travel Requirements: 5% Based on business needs