Senior Research Associate - Biomarker Discovery #2786

GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on alleviating the global burden of cancer by developing pioneering technology to detect and identify multiple deadly cancer types early. The company is using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop its multi-cancer early detection blood test. GRAIL is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. GRAIL, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN). For more information, please visit www.grail.com.
As a Research Associate on GRAIL’s Biomarker Discovery team, you will play an integral role in the development of new multiomics technologies and their applications for cancer screening. The ideal candidate should have strong molecular biology skills and experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. A background in early-phase research is preferred. Strong troubleshooting skills are a must. 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and optimization of novel multiomics approaches for cancer screening
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and analyze data from exploratory experiments
• Execute and author R&D protocols
• Communicate progress and results to project teams and management

Required Skills

• B.A./B.S. degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or equivalent with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong experience in designing and executing exploratory experiments
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction technologies and QC instrumentation (Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, Fragment Analyzer, qPCR, ddPCR)
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (pipetting, SPRI, RT, PCR, etc.)
• Experience working with RNA and DNA library preparation workflows
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with statistical programming or software (e.g., R, Python)
• Must have excellent personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation

Bonus

• Experience with assay automation using liquid handlers and NGS is a plus

The estimated, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $94,000 - $120,000.  Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location. 
Based on the role, colleagues may be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan tied to company and individual performance, or an incentive plan. We also offer a long-term incentive plan to align company and colleague success over time.
In addition, GRAIL offers a progressive benefit package, including flexible time-off, a 401k with a company match, and alongside our medical, dental, vision plans, carefully selected mindfulness offerings.
GRAIL is an Equal Employment Office and Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We will reasonably accommodate all individuals with disabilities so that they can participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Following extensive monitoring, consideration of business implications, and advice from internal and external experts, GRAIL US has made the decision to require that all U.S. employees be “Fully Vaccinated” with the COVID-19 vaccine. “Fully Vaccinated” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks since a single-dose vaccine (e.g. Johnson & Johnson) has been administered. Absent a qualifying exemption, all GRAIL US employees are to comply with this requirement, including providing documentation of such vaccination status, as a condition of employment. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation for consideration by GRAIL.