Research Associate – Molecular Assay Development (Digital PCR)

CareDx, Inc. • Waltham, MA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

CareDx is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (contract position) with demonstrated expertise in digital PCR (dPCR/ddPCR) to join our Specialty Oncology Research & Development team in Waltham, Massachusetts. The successful candidate will support the development, optimization, and execution of molecular assays supporting liquid biopsy and oncology diagnostic programs. This is a highly hands-on laboratory position, with approximately 80–90% of the time spent at the bench performing experiments, generating high-quality data, troubleshooting assays, and supporting technology development initiatives.
This is a contract position with the potential to be converted to a full-time role. It is scheduled for 40 hrs/week. The assignment runs for 6 months, with potential to convert to full-time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience performing digital PCR (dPCR or ddPCR) in an academic, biotechnology, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating digital PCR instrumentation and associated data analysis software.
• Understanding of nucleic acid-based assay workflows and PCR principles.
• Experience performing DNA and/or RNA extraction and quantification.
• Proven ability to independently execute experiments.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a small, fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

• cfDNA or liquid biopsy assay development.
• qPCR assay development and optimization.
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and analysis.
• Automated sample processing platforms.
• Exposure to regulated laboratory or diagnostic development environments.
• Statistical analysis and data visualization software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R, JMP).
• Experience supporting assay verification, validation, or technology transfer activities.

Responsibilities

• Execute digital PCR experiments with guidance from scientific staff supporting assay development, optimization, verification, and feasibility studies.
• Perform sample processing and molecular biology workflows including nucleic acid extraction, quantification, preparation, and quality assessment.
• Generate high-quality experimental data while maintaining thorough documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Perform initial data analysis and summarize results for review by scientific leadership.
• Assist with troubleshooting assay performance issues and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Assist in the design and execution of experiments under the guidance of scientific leadership.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, reagents, consumables, and inventory.
• Prepare experimental summaries and contribute to technical reports, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional team members to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety practices and quality standards.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and incentive compensation
• Health and welfare benefits, including a gym reimbursement program
• 401(k) savings plan match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy (up to 30 days paid leave annually for organ or bone marrow donation)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level