Scientist (PCR/NGS)

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

22h•$89,000 - $109,000

About The Position

The Scientist's core responsibilities include planning, conducting and documenting complex molecular genetics experiments related to product/process development improvement. They also analyze results and prepare reports related to product/process development. Activities may be focused individual projects or assignments as a member of a project team which may include project leadership duties.

Requirements

Requires at least 6 (six) years of experience in a research and development laboratory for candidates with a BS/BA degree; at least 4 (four) years of relevant industrial experience with a Master's degree, or a Ph.D. with thesis.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
Knowledgeable in the use of common laboratory equipment and safe chemical handling.
Experience with PCR technologies (SNaPshot, Real-time), short and long-read Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) DNA/RNA library preparation workflows, and microarrays.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as professional journals, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write complete reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively in one-on-one and small group situations.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts to problem-solving situations.
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in a variety of situations.
Knowledgeable in the use of common laboratory equipment and safe chemical handling.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as professional journals, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
Written and verbal communication skills.
Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degree

Nice To Haves

Experience with primer design and PCR optimization.
Experience with DNA and RNA sequencing is highly desirable.
Experience with short and long-read NGS technology is highly desirable.
Experience in developing products under design control or cGMP/QSR is a plus.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Scientific Director, R&D Scientific Manager, or Lead Scientist, conducts assay system development, optimization and validation.
Comply with industry regulatory and quality standards for the R&D Assay Design Control processes.
Develops, plans, conducts and records results from complex experiments within a specific product or technology area.
Performs laboratory experiments following defined protocols and company procedures.
Work closely with informatics personnel to develop computer programs and databases as required for assay execution, automation and data management.
Prepare technical SOP's as required for Medical or Scientific Director (licensed) review and approval.
Prepare assay validation reports and other assay-related documentation as defined by the licensed Scientific Director and Medical Director.
Reports status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results.
Prepare written and oral presentations of scientific updates for R&D meetings and conferences.
Provide scientific supervision and guidance to research associates in the routine execution of their laboratory work.
Under licensed supervision, assist and/or coordinate technical transfer of new assays and procedures to appropriate department.
Under licensed supervision, assist, as needed, in the training of lab personnel on new procedures.
Assists licensed supervisor with troubleshooting, including reviewing procedural execution for possible cause of abnormal results.
Maintains knowledge of current and developing technologies that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature.
Effectively utilizes and applies advanced methods or technologies.
Contributes ideas for new product development typically within existing markets.
Interact with Academic Associates and other outside sources of emerging technologies, science and materials.

Benefits

Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
Best-in-class well-being programs
Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
healthyMINDS mental health program
Vacation and Health/Flex Time
6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
FinFit financial coaching and services
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
Employee stock purchase plan
Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
Flexible Spending Accounts
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
Career advancement opportunities
and so much more!