Sr. Scientist

Veracyte•South San Francisco, CA

15h•$151,182 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Veracyte, we offer exciting career opportunities for those interested in joining a pioneering team that is committed to transforming cancer care for patients across the globe. Working at Veracyte enables our employees to not only make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, but to also learn and grow within a purpose driven environment. This is what we call the Veracyte way – it’s about how we work together, guided by our values, to give clinicians the insights they need to help patients make life-changing decisions. We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to lead the development of next-generation MRD assays from concept through clinical lab implementation. This individual will drive technical strategy, experimental design, and scientific decision-making across assay development, automation, and workflow optimization. The ideal candidate has direct experience in NGS-based oncology diagnostics and a proven track record of developing clinical assays in regulated environments through cross-functional leadership and scientific innovation.

Requirements

NGS assay expert with deep theoretical and hands-on knowledge of the biochemistry underlying multi-component molecular biology methods at the sample preparation and assay level.
Has a track record of successfully troubleshooting and optimizing molecular biology techniques/assays in a developed workflow.
Bench scientist eager to participate directly in laboratory work independently and in cooperation/coordination with others.
Must be able to mentor others and effectively manage (design, monitor, complete, troubleshoot) laboratory project tasks performed in the hands of others.
Rigorous and skilled in NGS data analysis, with command of common and assay-specific metrics and excellent data analysis and visualization skills using common statistical methods and software (JMP, R, Python)
Successful product developer with experience writing requirements and systematically building products under global PDP
Innovative technical leader eager to tackle complex scientific programs and generate solutions to challenging technical problems.
Team player who elevates performance within and across functions through technical collaboration, mentorship of junior scientists, and positive attitude
Practical developer with the ability to evaluate multiple technical variables and translate data into actionable decisions that consider program priorities, timelines, and cross-functional requirements
Clear and effective communicator with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Flexible and open-minded contributor in the face of shifting resources & priorities
Passionate about developing diagnostics that improve outcomes for cancer patients.
PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
6 – 7 years of post-doctoral and relevant industry experience focused on NGS wet-lab experimentation, preferably in a Product Development environment
Extensive experience developing NGS-based assays for clinical, diagnostic, or regulated applications, including the development of library preparation chemistries and direct experience with common clinical sample matrices (blood, tissue, FFPE)
Experience with automation and design and development of high-throughput workflows
Strong command of NGS-based genomic data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, including direct experience with common statistical methods and software (JMP, R, Python)
Strong background in cancer genomics, liquid biopsy, ctDNA, or related molecular diagnostic technologies.
Experience with LDT product development under design control and quality system and regulatory requirements (CAP/CLIA, NYSDOH)
Proven ability to independently lead complex technical projects.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience developing MRD or liquid biopsy diagnostics a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, verification, and transfer of NGS-based MRD assays from concept through clinical lab implementation.
Independently develop workflows suitable for clinical operations, including automation, QC, throughput requirements, and LIMS integration.
Conceive innovative solutions and develop rigorous experimental strategies to advance assay performance, sensitivity, robustness, scalability, and operational readiness.
Design and execute feasibility, optimization, and verification studies, with independent ownership of objectives, study design, planning, execution, and analysis guided by systematic application of biochemistry and bioinformatic principles
Author and review protocols, SOPs, reports, requirements, risk assessments, and design control documentation supporting product development and regulatory compliance.
Serve as a subject matter expert in NGS, oncology genomics, and ctDNA/MRD technologies, leading troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical challenges.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Bioinformatics, Data Science, Operations, Clinical Laboratory, Automation, SW/LIMS, Quality, and Regulatory teams to develop and implement robust diagnostic products.
Support technology transfer, assay implementation, and commercialization activities, including training and mentoring laboratory personnel and junior scientists.