GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured.
The Role
Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.
We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.
For more information, please visit grail.com
GRAIL is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to join our Assay Research group in R&D. This role will support assay research efforts through independent design and execution of molecular biology workflows supporting Grail’s mission to develop best in class Multi Cancer Early Detection tests. This role is well suited for an experienced bench scientist who is comfortable working with minimal supervision, can quickly learn new protocols, and enjoys hands-on laboratory work in a collaborative research environment.
You will work on-site full-time at our office located in Menlo Park, California. Beginning in Fall 2026, you will work at our new headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. While this role is primarily hands-on at the lab bench, there may be opportunities to work remotely when performing activities that can be executed outside the lab. You will work with your leader to determine schedule.
Responsibilities
- Independently design experimental plans and execute complex laboratory experiments using molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, NGS library preparation, hybrid capture or sequencing.
- Perform basic data analysis tasks using common analysis tools such as excel, googlesheets, R, Python or similar tools.
- Communicate experimental findings in slide presentations, experimental reports, and verbal updates to the research team and broader R&D organization.
- Troubleshoot experimental issues and escalate appropriately with clear observations and data.
- Operate large liquid handling automation systems including Hamiltons and automated workcells.
- Maintain accurate and complete experimental records using a digital lab notebook.
- Collaborate with other scientists and cross-functional partners to support ongoing assay research efforts
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with 2-5 years of relevant laboratory experience or Masters degree with 2-4 years of experience.
- Hands-on experience with common molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction and quantification, PCR/qPCR, Hybridization Capture, NGS library preparation or NGS sequencing methods.
- Proven ability to work independently in the lab and execute experiments with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable receiving a new or unfamiliar protocol, asking clarifying questions, and executing it accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in cancer biology, oncology diagnostics, or industry liquid biopsy research.
- Strong familiarity with NGS library preparation and sequencing techniques.
- Experience optimizing laboratory methodologies and troubleshooting complex problems.
- Data analysis experience in one or more programming language (R, Python or similar)
- Experience working with large liquid handers (Hamilton, Tecan, workcell or similar)
- Experience working in a regulated or quality-conscious laboratory environment
The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $95K-$117K. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.
This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.
GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
What the Team is Saying
Neda Ronaghi
Strategy and Operational Excellence Associate Director
Ruth Mauntz
Staff Bioinformatics Scientist
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Tristan Matthews
Senior Director, Software Engineering
David Jenions
Principal Automation Engineer
Satnam Alag
SVP, Software Engineering
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The Company
What We Do
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is using the power of high-intensity sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop and commercialize pioneering products.
Why Work With Us
Everything we do is guided by our mission to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no small task. The right people make all the difference. That’s why we’re looking for those who strive to share their knowledge, contribute their skills, inspire each other and commit to something bigger than themselves.
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GRAIL Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
GRAIL has a variety of work types depending on the roles. Some roles are onsite like a lab role, some are fully remote like our Galleri Sales Consultant roles. Others are hybrid with 2-3 days onsite. Typically Tuesday and Thursday.
Typical time on-site:
2 days a week
