Research Associate

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Research Associate to help grow the Freenome Genomic Early Development team. As a Senior Research Associate, you will participate in the development of genomic assay technologies and contribute to Freenome’s multiomic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You will work closely with Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Computational Biologists to develop, optimize, and characterize efficient automated workflows to improve experimental and clinical throughput in a regulated high throughput environment. You will also work with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer complex methodologies, processes, and assays to Operations to ensure the highest quality data is produced by our clinical lab. You are passionate about contributing to developing life-saving diagnostics through early cancer detection, and you will have a significant impact on the continued growth of an organization dedicated to changing the entire landscape of cancer.

The role reports to the Senior Manager of Genomic Early Development team. This role will be an Onsite role based in our Brisbane, California headquarters. 

What you’ll do:

• Apply hands-on knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic-acid biochemistry and next generation sequencing to develop and optimize NGS based methods and processes following principles of Design Controls for IVD development.

• Design and perform experiments to develop, optimize, and characterize NGS workflow including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.

• Operate and maintain NGS related instruments such as automated liquid handlers, PCR instruments, and sequencers.

• Conduct new reagents testing and develop reagent quality control methods.

• Participate in troubleshooting issues, identify and implement process improvement for the entire analytical workflow. 

• Collaborate with research, computational scientists, and automation engineers to transfer research prototype assays from Research to Development.

• Collaborate with Quality Control Lab, Manufacturing lab, Quality, and Regulatory to transfer reagent quality control methods and manufacturing processes from Development to Operations and support the implementation of the methods and processes in Operations.

• Accurately record results in electronic lab notebooks, author work instructions and record forms, contribute to writing study protocols and reports. Diligently apply current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP).

Must haves:

• Bachelor’s in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience in the life sciences or Master’s in molecular biology or a related field.