The Staff Scientist is an experienced research professional who provides scientific leadership across multiple projects and contributes to strategic research objectives. This role involves designing and executing complex experiments, developing novel methodologies, and applying advanced scientific expertise to solve challenging problems in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines. The Staff Scientist mentors junior scientists, serves as a subject matter expert, and plays a critical role in shaping project direction and driving innovation.
Responsibilities:
Lead the design and execution of complex experiments to advance research and development objectives.
Develop and implement novel experimental methods, technologies, and workflows.
Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data, providing recommendations that influence project and program decisions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into larger organizational strategies.
Author technical reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Mentor and coach junior scientists and technical staff, fostering development and scientific excellence.
Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and technical challenges.
Monitor scientific trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend adoption where appropriate.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Required Qualifications:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.
Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful scientific results.
Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or project leadership.
Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
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)
Note: these requirements do not apply for research positions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Recognized expertise in relevant scientific fields with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to design innovative approaches to address complex scientific challenges.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to develop scientific talent.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.
Collaborative and influential in cross-functional and multi-disciplinary environments.
Strategic thinker with the ability to shape research directions and contribute to long-term goals.
Physical Demands & Working Environment:
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 critical deadlines or support 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 with 5+ years OR Master's with 8+ years OR Bachelor's with 12+ years relevant experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.
- Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful scientific results.
- Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or project leadership.
- Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
- Effective communication skills, including ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable regulatory standards (GMP quality management systems e.g., ISO 13485; clinical laboratory regulations e.g., CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189; IVDD, IVDR; FDA 21 CFR 800 series; FDA 21 CFR Part 11).
- Recognized expertise in relevant scientific fields with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to design innovative approaches to address complex scientific challenges.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to develop scientific talent.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.
- Collaborative and influential in cross-functional and multi-disciplinary environments.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to shape research directions and contribute to long-term goals.
What the Team is Saying
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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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