Associate Scientist, Technical Operations

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

Summary:

As an Associate Scientist within the Technical Operations group, you will be responsible for initiating, supporting, and implementing improvements to existing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) based products and leading transfer and validation of new processes and products into operations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and familiarity working with high throughput lab information systems and robotic liquid handlers. You will be encouraged to think outside the box and creatively solve problems while collaborating with different groups across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Operations, LIMS, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Quality, and Regulatory to implement new products and automated processes, plan operational releases, and manage product life cycle.

• Contribute to the company’s strategic plan to ensure the sustainability and scalability of lab operational processes and to meet evolving regulatory requirements. 

• Participate in lab operations troubleshooting effort and support non-conformance investigations and corrective action implementations. 

• Assist the LIMS team with deploying improvements and extensions to the existing Operations Informatics systems, as well as associated lab instruments and software systems.

• Plan and drive execution of end-to-end testing and validation pertaining to Next Generation Sequencing assays and workflows.

• Partner with lab operations, product development, research and automation teams to identify areas of growth in sample volume and implement potential operational improvements.

• Participate in project core teams, lead working teams, and collaborate cross-functional to formulate relevant project deliverables per the company’s product development process.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience.  An advanced degree can be advantageous. CLS certification is highly desirable.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and willingness to collaborate cross-functionally.

• Practical hands-on knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and sample preparation workflows performed in CLIA/CAP regulated environment. Experience with ISO 13485/FDA is a plus.

• LIMS integration and Laboratory automation experience.

• Proven ability to think innovatively toward solving problems effectively and efficiently. Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus.

• Analytical, detail-oriented, organized, takes initiative, and self-motivated.

The hiring range for this position is $109,000 to $132,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Personalis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contacts you.

Protecting Our Candidates: At Personalis, we value your security. Please note that all official correspondence from our team will come exclusively from @personalis.com email addresses. We will never ask for personal financial information or conduct interviews over text or chat platforms. If you receive a suspicious request, it is likely a scam. We are committed to a safe recruitment experience and actively work with authorities to investigate and prosecute cyber crimes targeting our community.

Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits. (For US only, benefits in other countries may vary.) 

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