Clinical Lab Associate 1

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

Summary:

The Clinical Lab Associate position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced and innovative clinical laboratory environment. In this role, you will collaborate within a team of project managers, accessioners, Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), and other Clinical Lab Associates. As a key member of the laboratory team, you will participate in daily operations focused on maximizing efficiency, equipment utilization, and material management within budgetary guidelines, while maintaining adherence to established quality technical standards. This position provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic clinical setting.  

Shift: Thursday - Monday, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

Responsibilities: 

• DNA extraction from different sample sources in a biosafety level 2 laboratory 
• Quantify DNA sample concentration following QC protocols 
• Prepare libraries for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using automated and manual procedures. 
• Quantify libraries using qPCR in automated and manual procedures 
• Run libraries on NGS instruments 
• Real-time recording of automated sample processing workflows through a laboratory information  management system (LIMS) 
• Maintain robotic liquid handlers and sequencing instruments for optimal performance 
• Determine sequencing loading schemes to generate the required additional data 
• Assists in data transfer and basic QC evaluation of data 
• Track sequencing runs and manage data results through LIMS 
• Perform troubleshooting and system evaluations when necessary, in communication with the  automation support team, laboratory supervisor, and/or third-party technical support teams 
• Escalates issues to a supervisor when problems arise with sample processing 
• Maintain appropriate supplies and equipment to maximize department efficiency and meet established  budgetary and quality goals 
• Support and ensure compliance with the laboratory’s quality control procedures and policies 
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established  performance specifications 
• Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety protocols 
• Demonstrate commitment to quality and continuous improvement 
• Use effective two-way communication and participate in general laboratory meetings 
• Performs other duties as assigned, including performing workflows outside of WGS and cfDNA

Education, Skills & Experience: 

• BA/BS in a biological discipline 
• 0-2 years of relevant laboratory experience 
• Familiarity with Hamilton, or other robotic liquid handlers, is desired 
• Familiarity with next-gen sequencing protocols and/ or operation of Illumina instruments desired
• Familiarity with LIMS or sample management tracking systems is desired 
• Familiarity with Quality control of samples and quantification devices (e.g., TapeStation, Qubit, qPCR) 
• Flexible and adaptive in a frequently changing environment 
• Strong communication skills - able to clearly and timely communicate problems, protocols, and results  both in writing and verbally - and the ability to keep complete and detailed records 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to analyze and solve basic problems 
• Ability to work as part of a team in a highly collaborative environment 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision 
• Desire to learn new skills and grow his/her knowledge of next-generation sequencing technologies 
• Strong desire to work in a demanding, high-energy, hands-on environment 

The hiring range for this position is $27.50 to $34.60 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (eq