Associate Research Scientist II

Abbott • Madison, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Research Scientist II works in Abbott’s Cancer Diagnostics R&D Product Development Division in Madison, Wisconsin, supporting development of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test. With some guidance from experienced scientists, the role contributes to moderately complex R&D projects by planning and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting scientific problem-solving. Work includes late-stage product development studies such as stability testing, design verification and validation, product performance improvement, and manufacturing investigations. The scientist applies molecular biology expertise, including blood processing, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, protein-based assays, and next-generation sequencing methods, and collaborates across functional teams in a milestone-driven environment while maintaining quality standards.

The role conducts and documents laboratory experiments, operates scientific instruments, analyzes and presents results, and contributes technical input to project planning and experimental design. It requires clear communication, attention to detail, collaboration, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to manage multiple assignments amid changing priorities. The position may include training and mentoring junior research associates. It requires regular and reliable attendance, and the ability to work nights or weekends as needed. Physical and laboratory conditions include extended use of laboratory equipment and tools, computer and keyboard work, potential exposure to hazardous materials and human tissue specimens, and travel between company locations. Travel away from the work location is approximately 5% of working time and may include overnight or weekend travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in molecular biology and/or biochemical techniques.
• Basic understanding of GMP, ISO, and Quality Systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical and mathematical methods in biology, genetics, or genomics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors and group members and to present scientific findings effectively.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and department.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work on several varied projects at once and adapt to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, and pipettes, for extended periods; perform repetitive actions with lab tools; and use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical workday; use a mobile device, tablet, or computer and type for approximately 50% of a typical workday; grasp with both hands, pinch with thumb and forefinger, turn with hand or arm, and reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to travel between Exact Sciences locations and travel approximately 5% of working time, potentially including overnight or weekend travel.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience supporting development, optimization, validation, or transfer of molecular diagnostic assays in a regulated environment.
• Experience with nucleic acid technologies such as qPCR, multiplex PCR, NGS, DNA/RNA extraction, hybridization-based methods, or related molecular biology techniques.
• Working knowledge of Design Control, Verification and Validation, Method Validation, Measurement System Analysis, and scientific risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience designing and executing statistically sound experiments, including DOE, precision studies, robustness studies, capability assessments, or threshold-setting activities.
• Proficiency analyzing scientific data using JMP, R, Python, or equivalent statistical software.
• Experience generating, reviewing, and maintaining technical documentation within a Quality Management System, including protocols, reports, test methods, requirements, design documentation, change controls, and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, ISO 13485, FDA Quality System Regulation, and/or Design Control requirements for in vitro diagnostic products.
• Experience supporting reagent, control, calibrator, or consumable development, characterization, release testing, or lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental issues independently and identify root causes using data-driven approaches.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams such as R&D, Product Development, IT, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and Operations.
• Experience presenting experimental results and technical recommendations to technical teams, project teams, and leadership audiences.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics, genomics, cancer biology, or liquid biopsy technologies.
• Experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput workflows, or development of scalable laboratory processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting project timelines and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support moderately complex R&D projects by planning and executing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific problem-solving with some guidance.
• Conduct late-stage product development studies, including stability testing, design verification and validation, product performance improvements, and manufacturing investigations.
• Perform bench-level experiments, identify problems and discrepancies, and plan and analyze experimental results with some guidance.
• Operate scientific instrumentation related to assigned duties and notify appropriate personnel about problems.
• Apply established methods and technologies and suggest new techniques when appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of relevant technological and industry developments.
• Provide technical input to project planning and experimental design decisions.
• Prepare information and data for scientific abstracts, conferences, project meetings, and publications.
• Write experimental protocols and perform laboratory experiments according to research plans and experimental outlines.
• Maintain complete and consistent laboratory notebooks in accordance with legal, ISO, and QSR requirements.
• Prepare reports and documentation that analyze or summarize experimental results and outcomes.
• Present experimental results, scientific ideas, findings, information, and updates at project or departmental meetings.
• Communicate project summaries and outcomes clearly in written and verbal formats to the supervisor and scientific team.
• Evaluate data and identifiable factors when working on problems of diverse scope; interpret results and exercise independent judgment.
• Work independently and with project team members to meet department and project objectives and collaboratively established timeframes.
• Train and mentor junior-level research associates.
• Support and comply with company Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and work nights or weekends as needed.
• Travel between Exact Sciences locations and travel away from the work location approximately 5% of working time.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities with an international company.
• Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• Retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit, an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level