Senior Scientist I

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

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The Senior Scientist I is responsible for the design and development of real time PCR and RT-PCR IVD assays in an FDA-QSR and ISO13485 compliant organization.

This position is part of the Biochip R&D team and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA, Onsite. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Evaluate, test, and optimize real time PCR and RT-PCR assay procedures and assay prototypes based on design of experiments and design input requirements.
• Apply analytical problem-solving skills and strategies for the development of complex in vitro diagnostic real time PCR and RT-PCR tests for infectious diseases. Perform rigorous analytical studies required to demonstrate technical feasibility of complex assays.
• Design, set up and execute complex experiments including data collection, summary, and critical analysis to meet project, department, and company objectives.
• Provide data driven direction and guidance to junior scientific colleagues.
• Work in a BSL2 environment and handle a variety of clinical sample matrices and microorganisms.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Must have a strong background designing, developing, and optimizing real time PCR and RT-PCR assay, following product development lifecycle process and design control.
• Execute studies to verify the sensitivity and specificity of oligonucleotide designs in PCR detection and melt. Evaluate and test reagent formulations, lyophilization, and stabilities.
• Integrating PCR detection with sample preparation and device fluidics for assay prototype feasibility studies.
• Analyze data using statistical tools such as Microsoft Excel or Minitab; maintain detailed experimental records and document results in a technical report in a laboratory notebook and present data at internal technical meetings.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g. Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology and Genetics) with 5+ years of relevant industrial experience OR Master’s degree in related field with 3+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in related field with 2+ years of related work experience.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Experience in implementing and following robust design control processes for CE and/or US-IVD tests.
• Designing oligos for microorganism detection with experience/knowledge of melt probes designs.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $103,000 to $161,000 USD. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular emplo