Associate Research Scientist II, NGS Product Development

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At Exact Sciences, we’re helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you’re working to help others.

Position Overview

The Associate Research Scientist II, with limited guidance from more experienced scientists, works individually or in collaboration with others on multiple projects which are moderate to complex in scope. The Associate Research Scientist II plays an active role in planning of projects and experiments and is often the technical lead responsible for the successful execution of project(s). This role is responsible for conducting hands on experimentation and the analysis and presentation of data. Working in a team setting, the Associate Research Scientist II, will primarily be involved in Research and Development projects actively participating in translating research ideas and concepts into the product development pipeline towards development of

diagnostic assay products.

This position will initially focus on utilizing DNA sequencing-based methodologies for cancer detection for diagnostic product development. The position may also contribute to development and optimization and/or characterization of all aspects of clinical sample testing, e.g. specimen processing, nucleic acid isolation, library construction, target enrichment, and target detection workflows. Key responsibilities include operating and optimizing NGS workflows and associated automation methods, troubleshooting technical issues, managing experiments, ensuring data quality, maintaining thorough documentation such as protocols and technical reports, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Essential Duties

include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct bench level experiments within several product or technology areas and identifies problems and discrepancies.
• Independently plan and analyze results of bench level experiments within several product or technology areas; effectively present at data meetings, group meetings, and project team meetings.
• Operate scientific instrumentation related to performance of duties and notify appropriate personnel of any problems.
• Effectively utilize and apply methods or technologies and provides ideas for new techniques, when appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of technological industry developments that could assist in completion of an assignment or aid in the development of new processes or procedures.
• Provide technical input and participate in decisions affecting project planning and experimental design.
• Prepare and provide information and data for scientific abstracts/conferences/project meetings/publication.
• Generate, document, and communicate development plans for critical aspects of a project.
• Participate in the development of research plans and experimental outlines to write experimental protocols and perform laboratory experiments.
• Prepare detailed technical procedures, protocols, and reports.
• Evaluate impact of nonconforming data to product or process.
• Maintain lab notebook in a complete and consistent manner, following all legal, ISO, and QSR requirements, as well as keeping clear and complete.
• Present experimental results and defend scientific ideas and findings at project or departmental meetings.
• Work on individual assignments and with project team members as appropriate to meet department and project objectives.
• Work within project timeframes that are established collaboratively by team members.
• Act as technical leader for a project of moderate scope.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement to interpret results, analyze data, and present findings in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Assist in planning and recommendation of activities that account for prioritization of organizational and department goals.
• Ability to train and mentor junior level research associates.
• Ability to organize, present, and convey moderate problems or issues.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively work on several varied projects at one time, with frequent changing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Apply sound technical knowledge and ability gained t