Principal Scientist

Precision for Medicine•Houston, TX

4h•$110,700 - $166,100

About The Position

The Principal Scientist supports Precision’s scientific projects for its biopharmaceutical clients, working closely with an assigned manager to apply best practices and deliver client work on time. The role focuses on designing and developing innovative qualified and validated molecular assays, including ddPCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing, Nanostring, and FISH assays. 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, including GLP, CAP, and CLIA. This role provides technical expertise and hands-on laboratory support, including training and mentoring junior scientists and technical staff in laboratory procedures, data analysis, and data presentation. The Principal Scientist also supports project planning, reporting, quality, laboratory efficiency, safe practices, and adherence to scope of work and change orders. The position requires a Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field and at least eight years of related full-time laboratory experience. The stated compensation range is $110,700–$166,100 USD, and the role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and benefits.

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 hands-on bench skills with molecular assays.
Hands-on experience with sequencing, ddPCR, and qPCR.
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 colors across the full color spectrum.
Ability to lift and carry 1–15 lbs and, with assistance, lift up to 50 lbs overhead; frequent sitting, grasping, and right- and left-finger dexterity are also required.
Ability to read, write, speak fluently, and comprehend English.
Candidates 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 experience managing outside collaborations.
A 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, ensuring they meet client requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
Oversee the generation of technical reports and other communications presenting data to clients.
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 and conduct training and competency assessments to ensure staff can perform tasks independently.
Maintain and support safe laboratory practices and environments.
Track and trend laboratory efficiency and quality.
Perform duties with a high degree of independence, quality, and efficiency.
Act as an internal expert on technical advances and advise management on matters within the role’s scope.
Initiate or recommend appropriate courses of action and identify matters requiring policy interpretation or revision.
Ensure the technical team follows the scope of work and change orders, and minimize scope creep.
Help schedule work with the team to ensure laboratory staff meet financial targets.