Principal Scientist

Precision for Medicine•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Principal Scientist supports Precision’s scientific projects for biopharmaceutical clients, working closely with an assigned manager to ensure best practices and timely project delivery. The role focuses on designing, developing, qualifying, and validating molecular assays, including ddPCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing, Nanostring, and FISH. The Principal Scientist helps scientists plan experiments and timelines to meet client specifications, communicates project plans and progress to clients, and executes and reports work according to agreed timelines and applicable regulations such as GLP, CAP, and CLIA. This position provides technical expertise and hands-on laboratory support as needed, particularly for training and mentoring junior scientists and team members in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and data presentation. The role also oversees assay procedures and technical reporting, supports client communications and scientific publications, monitors laboratory quality and efficiency, and helps ensure work stays within scope and meets financial targets.

Requirements

Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field, such as Molecular Biology.
At least 8 years of related full-time laboratory experience.
Strong bench scientist skills in molecular assays.
Hands-on sequencing, ddPCR, and qPCR experience.
Experience validating or qualifying assays to CAP, CLIA, GLP, or ISO guidelines.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong communication skills.
Experience generating technical reports.
Ability to see and differentiate between colors on the full color spectrum.
Ability to lift and carry 1–15 lbs. and lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance.
Frequent sitting, grasping, and right- and left-finger dexterity.
Ability to work around cold freezer environments, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to -196°C.
Ability to read, write, speak fluently, and comprehend English.
Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

10–15+ years of experience as a molecular laboratorian in a leadership role with direct reports.
Experience supervising or mentoring scientists or technical personnel.
Industrial experience and/or management of outside collaborations.
Solid understanding of current GxP or CAP/CLIA/ISO standards.
Previous work experience in GLP, GCLP, or CLIA regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and troubleshoot molecular assays with the scientific team to meet client requirements.
Oversee scientists writing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assays and required regulatory compliance.
Oversee generation of technical reports and other client communications presenting data.
Support preparation of posters and papers for conferences and peer-reviewed journals when applicable and approved by senior management.
Review and edit client proposals and contract proposals as needed.
Train and mentor scientific staff in reviewing and presenting client data, and support client calls as the team’s leading expert.
Train and mentor technical staff in laboratory procedures; develop training and competency assessments to ensure staff can perform tasks independently.
Maintain and support safe laboratory practices and environment.
Track and trend laboratory efficiency and quality.
Perform duties independently, with quality and efficiency.
Serve as an internal expert on technical advances and advise management on matters within the role’s scope; recommend actions and identify matters requiring policy interpretation or revision.
Ensure the technical team follows scopes of work and change orders and minimize scope creep.
Support work scheduling to help ensure laboratory staff meet financial targets.
Perform hands-on experiments as needed for training and mentoring.