The Senior Scientist is a scientific and people supervisor responsible for driving platform troubleshooting and assay development while building, leading, and developing a high-performing team of scientists and research associates. This role provides scientific and technical supervision, oversees execution of research activities, establishes team priorities, mentors and develops talent, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure reliable platform operation and continuous innovation.
Responsibilities:
Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to support platform troubleshooting, optimization, and other research objectives.
Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to identify root causes of platform performance issues and provide scientifically sound recommendations.
Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, protocols, and workflows to improve platform performance, robustness, efficiency, and data quality.
Investigate technical challenges, identify sources of variability, and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable platform operation.
Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and career development for direct reports.
Establish team priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely execution of project deliverables.
Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation summarizing troubleshooting investigations, platform performance, and research findings.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve platform-related issues and integrate findings into broader research and development strategies.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards while maintaining platform reliability and operational excellence.
Required Qualifications:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 2-5 years of relevant research or industry experience; OR Master’s degree with 5-8 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental approaches.
Proven experience in independently designing and executing experiments from concept to data interpretation.
Strong track record of technical contributions in research, as evidenced by publications, presentations, or project outcomes.
Proficiency with relevant laboratory techniques and data analysis tools.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, publications, and presentations.
Demonstrated level of knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position's complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance. Minimal applicable standards for this position include:
GMP quality management systems (e.g. ISO 13485)
Clinical laboratory regulations (e.g. CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189)
Operations within the regulated medical device environment (e.g. IVDD, IVDR, FDA 21 CFR 800 series, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced technical and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems.
Strong organizational and project management abilities, including the capacity to prioritize multiple projects.
Ability to lead and mentor less-experienced team members.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional research environments.
Innovative thinker with the ability to contribute to the development of new technologies and approaches.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work will be performed in an office environment and in a laboratory setting with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
Requires consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.
May involve extended hours to meet deadlines or conduct time-sensitive experiments.
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, pipetting, and handling laboratory equipment and samples.
Skills Required
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related discipline with 2-5 years OR Master's with 5-8 years OR Bachelor's with 8+ years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and protein chemistry experimental approaches
- Proven experience independently designing, executing, and interpreting experiments from concept to data
- Strong track record of technical contributions evidenced by publications, presentations, or project outcomes
- Proficiency with relevant laboratory techniques and data analysis tools
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, publications, and presentations
- Knowledge of applicable regulatory and quality standards (GMP/ISO 13485, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189, IVDD/IVDR, FDA 21 CFR regulations including Part 11)
- Advanced technical and analytical troubleshooting skills for complex scientific problems
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, including prioritizing multiple projects
- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop less-experienced team members
- Collaborative and innovative mindset to contribute to new technology development
GRAIL Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources are offered, with FSAs/HSAs and multiple carrier options. Feedback suggests the company covers a large share of premiums, enhancing perceived value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible/“unlimited” time off, sick time, paid holidays, and summer/winter shutdowns provide broad time‑off options. Hybrid/remote work further expands flexibility for many roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An ESPP with a discounted purchase feature and equity grants provide accessible ownership upside confirmed by company filings. Feedback suggests equity is a meaningful part of total rewards.
GRAIL Insights
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.












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