Senior Research Associate, Assay Development (Contract)

DELFI Diagnostics • Palo Alto, CA

2d

About The Position

DELFI Diagnostics is developing blood-based tests to help detect cancer using machine learning and whole-genome sequencing data. Its platform analyzes patterns in cell-free DNA fragments, and its first laboratory-developed screening test is FirstLook Lung. The test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

The Senior Research Associate will help develop and validate next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays from concept through commercial launch. Working with scientists, engineers, and bioinformaticians, the role contributes to product development, verification, and validation for NGS-based laboratory tests for early cancer detection. The position involves laboratory experimentation, end-to-end NGS workflows, cross-functional communication, and documentation supporting design controls and regulatory standards. The role is a contract position paying $52–$63 per hour. The employee must be able to work a 4 p.m.–12 a.m. shift for up to three months during January–March.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 3–4 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree with 2–3 years of relevant experience, in a field such as biomedical engineering, molecular biology, genetics, or genomics, in assay development for the life science industry.
• Ability to work the 4 p.m.–12 a.m. shift for up to three months during January–March.
• Ability to troubleshoot thoughtfully, communicate, and escalate issues while working with limited support on a PM shift.
• Proficiency in high-throughput manual laboratory techniques, including precision pipetting for large-scale sample processing.
• Demonstrated NGS laboratory execution experience and ability to address technical challenges related to nucleic acid extraction and NGS library preparation.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Superior organizational and project management abilities, including meticulous documentation, strategic planning, effective time management, and keen attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling systems for assay development and execution.
• Experience troubleshooting and communicating issues.
• Advanced data analysis skills using Excel and statistical software packages.
• Programming experience in Python, R, or similar languages.
• Direct experience in a regulated environment such as CLIA, CAP, NYS, FDA, or GXP.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot moderate-to-complex laboratory experiments using molecular biology techniques for NGS.
• Perform end-to-end experimental workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Prepare samples and execute experiments with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to high-quality standards.
• Communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams, including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, automation engineers, and quality control scientists, and present at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to advancing assays through design control processes to meet product requirements and regulatory standards.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior