Genomics Sr Staff Scientist

Stanford Health Care•Palo Alto, CA

3d•$69 - $91

About The Position

The Genomic Senior Staff Scientist is a member of the Clinical Laboratory team and collaborates with laboratory directors, genetic counselors, laboratory technologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to provide clinical genetic and genomic test results. The role prioritizes and interprets variants found in clinical sequencing data, evaluating their clinical relevance using appropriate internal and external guidelines and evidence from scientific literature. The position also drafts clinical reports; contributes to quality, process-improvement, and development projects; assists with designing, developing, and evaluating clinical-grade molecular diagnostic tests; evaluates and implements evolving variant-interpretation standards and workflows; and helps onboard new team members. The scientist performs clinical case analyses, meets laboratory turnaround times, participates in test validation and workflow improvements, and contributes to quality documentation and audit preparation. The role is based at Stanford Health Care and is listed for a day shift of eight hours.

Requirements

PhD or MS in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline or field from an accredited college or university.
At least four years of work experience in genetics or cancer genetics, or a combination of relevant experience.
At least one year of experience working in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory performing diagnostic testing.
At least one year of experience with NGS-based tests and at least one year of experience in germline or cancer diagnostic testing.
Experience with next-generation sequencing and variant classification or curation.
Ability to understand scientific literature and experimental procedures, including the limitations and applications of this information in clinical settings.
Experience critically evaluating genetic data, research publications, and online resources.
Experience with databases, tools, and resources commonly used in human or model-organism genetics and genomics, such as ClinVar/ClinGen, gnomAD, ExAC, HGMD, and COSMIC.
Experience working on multidisciplinary, team-based projects and independently.
Ability to propose or identify and lead significant productivity enhancements, particularly those that decrease turnaround times or reduce costs.
Detail orientation and strong analytical skills.
Computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Strong written and oral English communication skills.
Experience interpreting variants in a clinical genetic testing laboratory.
Ability to perform day-to-day operations independently with little assistance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge to independently design and complete clinical validations and oversee development and drafting of validation and SOP documentation.
Excellent oral and written communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability.
Clear understanding of CAP requirements.

Responsibilities

Identify clinically significant germline and/or somatic sequence variants using established tools and workflows.
Collect genetic, clinical, and molecular information from peer-reviewed journals and public data sources.
Critically analyze and verify published data and abstract information relevant to clinical case analyses.
Review patient medical records and abstract information relevant to clinical case analyses.
Independently classify clinically significant germline and/or somatic sequence variants.
Summarize analyses and communicate results effectively in writing and verbally.
Meet clinical laboratory interpretation turnaround times and complete assigned work volume efficiently.
Identify or volunteer to address production pressure points and undertake projects to improve workplace productivity.
Participate in developing new clinical-grade genetic tests and enhancing existing assays.
Assist with clinical validation of new tests and workflow updates.
Assist in developing or integrating analysis systems, software tools, and workflows for laboratory tests.
Identify and report errors or inconsistencies in analysis tools or online resources.
Participate in software system verification and quality-improvement projects; create drafts of verification and SOP documentation and suggest improvements to existing SOPs.
Lead implementation of productivity enhancements.
Curate genes for new Mendelian germline and/or oncology somatic test development.
Contribute to audit preparations, including documentation and quality monitoring, to meet CAP/CLIA requirements.
Create reference or training materials.
Adhere to C-I-CARE standards in interactions with team members and external collaborators, and collaborate to resolve misunderstandings and issues early.
Perform day-to-day operations independently with little assistance from team members or laboratory directors.
Participate in clinical validation of new or updated tests with minimal supervision and prepare validation and SOP documentation drafts requiring minimal corrections.