Sr. Research Associate - R&D Next Generation Sequencing

Do you have a passion for science? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative environment? If so, take your career to the next level as a Senior Research Associate and contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge molecular diagnostics on our dynamic R&D Next Generation Sequencing team in Westborough, MA. Be a part of this life-saving work and help improve patients' lives while growing your career. 

Position Summary

Labcorp is a leading diagnostic reference laboratory dedicated to delivering high-quality, clinically actionable results through innovative molecular technologies. The R&D team plays a critical role in developing and validating molecular assays that directly impact patient care.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will support all R&D functions that pertain to the launch of a molecular test into a clinical laboratory from development and validation to implementation and troubleshooting. This bench-focused position requires a strong foundation in molecular biology and deep familiarity with NGS technologies. This position will also involve working collaboratively with other groups throughout Labcorp in a variety of areas as they apply to translational research in a clinical diagnostics context.

Candidates given the best consideration will have the following:

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on molecular biology experience, with at least 3 years in a clinical diagnostics, biotech or research lab setting

• Firm understanding of fundamental molecular biology and genetics concepts

• Expertise in NGS technologies and workflows, including library prep and target enrichment

• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and quantification, PCR, qPCR and Sanger sequencing

• Strong organizational, documentation and analytical thinking skills

• Proficient with webtools and databases for assay design, data analysis, literature searches

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office apps; proficiency in statistical analysis a plus

• Ability to work with minimal to moderate supervision in a dynamic environment and under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of clinical molecular assay validation requirements

• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput molecular workflows

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools used for NGS data review and quality control

Education

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field

• Master’s degree preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support in the design, optimization and execution of complex molecular workflows with particular emphasis on NGS assay development

• Contribute to the analytical validation of NGS assays, including reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection studies.

• Assist in preparing documentation for regulatory submissions, validation plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Support technology transfers from R&D to clinical operations through training and cross-functional collaboration

• Analyze experimental data and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with the bioinformatics and clinical laboratory staff

• Summarize and present results within and outside of the R&D group

• Evaluate commercial products for applicability in a clinical lab setting

• Generate manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals

• Keep abreast of current literature pertinent to the project or departmental areas of interest

• Support routine lab activities, e.g. maintaining equipment, ordering/receiving supplies

• Perform other duties as assigned and contribute to a collaborative, high-quality lab culture

Pay Range: $75k - $85k (USD)

All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. 

Benefits: Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  Casual, PRN & Part Time employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan only.  For more detailed information, please