Senior Scientist - Assay Development

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Scientist, Assay Development to lead the cfDNA workflow upstream of the electrochemical readout. This individual will be responsible for protocol development, pre-analytical QC, and clinical validation execution, including ownership of an upcoming pilot study.

This is a hands-on, individual contributor role focused on execution and scientific rigor rather than team management. The hire will play a central role in a mission-critical validation effort, bringing prior experience running clinical studies and ensuring the robustness of assay performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end cfDNA workflow, including:
  • Sample handling and plasma processing
  • cfDNA extraction and preparation
  • Pre-analytical quality control and assay optimization
• Own execution of a clinical pilot study
• Design, refine, and troubleshoot protocols to improve assay reproducibility and performance
• Identify and mitigate points of failure within liquid biopsy workflows
• Contribute to clinical validation strategy and execution
• Generate high-quality data and support external review of results
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across platform development

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in cfDNA or liquid biopsy
• Prior experience at leading liquid biopsy or diagnostics-focused organizations (e.g., early cancer detection or NGS-based testing platforms)
• Demonstrated experience leading clinical pilots
• Strong understanding of liquid biopsy workflows and failure modes
• Experience with clinical validation in a regulated environment (CLIA/CAP)
• Proven ability to execute hands-on wet lab work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, bioengineering, or related field (strongly preferred)
• Experience working in early-stage or R&D-heavy environments
• Track record of building or refining assay workflows for clinical use

If this sounds like a potential fit for you, please send in your application!