Senior Research Associate, Assay Development (Contract)
DELFI Diagnostics, Inc.Liquid Biopsy company
Palo Alto, United StatesSenior
DFJ Growth
Menlo Ventures
OrbiMed
Eli Lilly and Company
Point72
Foresite Capital
Data & AINew
About the role
TL;DR
Develop and validate next-generation sequencing assays for early cancer detection.
- •DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. (DELFI Diagnostics) is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are reliable, accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer.
- •Employing advanced machine-learning methods to whole-genome sequencing data, the DELFI ("DNA EvaLuation of Fragments for early Interception") platform is built to address the highest-burden health challenges.
- •DELFI Diagnostics prioritizes solutions that have the potential to save lives on a global scale, including for historically underserved populations.
- •DELFI Diagnostics’ platform relies on fragmentomics
- •the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and, when they die, leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments.
- •FirstLook Lung, for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening, is DELFI Diagnostics’ first laboratory-developed screening test and can be part of routine blood work.
- •FirstLook Lung uses millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT, including early stage disease with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent.
- •This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.
- •In our passionate pursuit to radically improve health outcomes, we serve humanity when we: Lead with Science, Anchor in Pragmatism: We pioneer life-changing science by ensuring quality, transparency, and rigor at all times.
- •We explore thoughtfully, experiment smartly, and deliver impact with conviction.
- •Build With & For All: We embrace diverse backgrounds to innovate and achieve together.
- •We are not just building a product
- •we aim to disrupt the path of cancer for all
- •no matter geography or socioeconomic class Put We over I: We are a home for high-performing people.
- •Through teamwork, we build collective intelligence.
- •Each of us wins when those we serve and those who serve with us--win.
- •We show up with empathy, humility, and integrity at every step of the journey.
- •What You'll Do As Sr.
- •Research Associate, you will play a critical role in developing and validating next-generation sequencing assays from concept through commercial launch, working within a collaborative environment of scientists, engineers, and bioinformaticians.
- •You will contribute to product development, verification, and validation activities for NGS-based laboratory tests for early cancer detection.
- •The ideal candidates would have experience working under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in a CAP/CLIA/FDA-regulated environment.
- •Contribute to the success of a cohesive, innovative, motivated team that is dedicated to reducing cancer deaths through the following activities: Design, execute, and troubleshoot moderate to complex laboratory experiments utilizing molecular biology techniques for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
- •Perform end-to-end experimental workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and sequencing, while preparing samples and executing experiments with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to high-quality standards.
- •Communicate findings effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, automation engineers, and quality control scientists, and present at scientific meetings.
- •Contribute to advancing assays through design control processes to meet product requirements and regulatory standards by maintaining comprehensive documentation.
- •What You'll Bring Required: BS with 3-4 years of experience, or MS with 2-3 years relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering, molecular biology, genetics, or genomics) in assay development for the life science industry Ability to work PM shift 4PM to 12AM for up to 3 months during January
- •March Proven ability to thoughtfully troubleshoot, communicate and escalate while working with limited support on a PM shift Proficient in high-throughput manual laboratory techniques, including precision pipetting for large-scale sample processing Proven track record in laboratory NGS execution and addressing technical challenges specific to nucleic acid extraction and library preparation for NGS.
- •Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to independently Superior organizational and project management abilities, including meticulous documentation practices, strategic planning, and effective time management with keen attention to detail Preferred: Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling systems for assay development and execution Experience troubleshooting and communicating issues Advanced data analysis skills using Excel and statistical software packages; programming experience in Python, R or similar languages is highly valued Direct experience in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, NYS, FDA, GXP, etc.)
Required skills
PythonRExcel
Domain expertise
biotechhealthtech
Tech stack
PythonRExcel