Senior Research Associate, Assay Development (Contract)

DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. • Palo Alto, CA

3d • $52 - $63

About The Position

DELFI Diagnostics is seeking a Senior Research Associate to help develop and validate next-generation sequencing assays from concept through commercial launch. The role contributes to product development, verification, and validation of NGS-based laboratory tests for early cancer detection, working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and bioinformaticians. Candidates with experience under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in a CAP/CLIA/FDA-regulated environment are a strong fit.

The associate will design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments using molecular biology techniques; perform end-to-end workflows from nucleic acid extraction and library preparation through sequencing; and prepare samples with careful attention to quality standards. The role also involves communicating findings to multidisciplinary teams, presenting at scientific meetings, and maintaining comprehensive documentation while advancing assays through design control processes to meet product and regulatory requirements.

The position pays $52–$63 per hour and requires availability for a 4 p.m.–12 a.m. shift for up to three months during January through 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 a 4 p.m.–12 a.m. shift for up to three months during January through 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.
• Proven track record in laboratory NGS execution and addressing technical challenges specific 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 next-generation sequencing (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 effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, automation engineers, and quality control scientists.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to advancing assays through design control processes to meet product requirements and regulatory standards.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation.
• Contribute to a cohesive, innovative, and motivated team focused on reducing cancer deaths.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior