NGS Scientist

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000

BioGX is seeking a highly skilled and talented scientist with expertise in Next Generation Sequencing. The self-motivated scientist will lead BioGX R&D efforts in NGS by performing laboratory research to develop, optimize, and run NGS assays and workflows for a variety of platforms, including, but not limited to, Oxford Nanopore, Illumina, and PacBio. The scientist will possess a broad range of expertise in multiple NGS workflows and be able to independently design, plan, execute, and properly summarize and document experiments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

• Uses molecular biology knowledge to solve the range of development problems associated with genetic tests for the presence of specific DNA and RNA sequences.

• Designs, executes, and troubleshoots experiments to optimize assay performance.

• Uses bioinformatics expertise to design targeted assays and parse NGS data.

• Development of product specifications including assay performance, identification of optimal raw materials and components, product stability, and product manufacturing and QC release test criteria.

• Carries out feasibility and development experiments, protocols, procedures, using Good Documentation Practices and clear and professional report writing supporting product development for timely completion of project(s).

• Provide clear and succinct project status updates to internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintains current knowledge of competitive technologies, new principles and theories relevant to product R&D and commercialization.

• May train, motivate, and develop R&D staff.

• Familiarity with design control processes including, verification, validation, and final design transfer to manufacturing teams.

• Generate records of experimental protocols, results of studies and process design/development history to meet QMS requirements.

  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise one or more Research Associates / Associate Scientists depending upon project scope.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Requirements:

• Expert level understanding and hands on experience with NGS assays and workflows.

• Expert level understanding of standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, cloning, nucleic acid extraction and quantification, and in-vitro transcription.

• Experience with NGS assay development.

• Experienced with DNA and RNA sample processing and sample stabilization procedures.

  
  

General Requirements:

• Experienced with BSL2 procedures and safe handling of human blood and fluids to obtain purified nucleic acids for use in test procedures.

• Experience with molecular biology analysis of infectious disease pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa)

• Direct experience with ISO design control procedures and participation in development, verification, validation stages of technology transfer into a GMP manufacturing unit.

• Well organized and efficient with handling multiple tasks at the same time.

• Technician supervisory experience.

• Experienced with short, intermediate and longer term project planning and clinical research.

• Fluent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Bioinformatics software

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Work seamlessly in a team environment, with the ability to relate to both highly educated and unskilled team members.

• Ability to handle and resolve conflicts, shifts in priority, and maintain professional demeanor in a fast paced work environment.

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or M.S (plus 2 to 5 years experience) degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related field. Direct hands-on experience with NGS assay and workflow design and execution is required. Experience in qPCR assay design and optimization is desirable.