Senior Scientist I, Scientific Affairs

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 oversight of the Scientific Affairs microbiology laboratory operations and performs laboratory investigations for on-market customer support. The Sr. Scientist will also have opportunities to assist in new product development projects, independently develop experiment design for lab investigations and learn bioinformatic analysis methodologies for sequencing and NGS data analysis.

This position is part of the Medical and Scientific Affairs department and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA as an Onsite position. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Oversee Scientific Affairs microbiology laboratory operations, including instrument maintenance, reagent and consumable inventory, SOP development and standard work sustainment and management.

• Develop and maintains SOP and report templates for laboratory policies, procedures and protocols.

• Performs various technical laboratory procedures for the purposes of troubleshooting or investigating patient sample discrepant cases, including bacteriology, mycology, molecular virology, and creation and writing of reports.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams such as Medical Affairs, Scientific Affairs, Technical Support, Global Product Support, Post-Market Quality, etc. as needed for troubleshooting or investigating cases regarding specimens and clinical results

• Develops and delivers training for staff elements within job scope, as necessary

The essential requirements of the job include:  

• Bachelors in Life Sciences with 5+ years of microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory experience OR Master’s degree in Life Sciences 3+ years of microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory experience OR Doctoral degree in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Medical Laboratory Science with 0-2+ years of microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory experience

• Experience with real time PCR or NGS diagnostic development, such as oligo design and multiplexing, test parameters, quality control.

• Experience with traditional and molecular microbiology techniques, including bacterial and mycological culture, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular diagnostics, such as real time PCR.

• Advanced knowledge and application of commercial computer application packages such as MS Office, web browsers, and excellent written, verbal communication, troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• May travel up to 10%, domestic or international, as required

• Manipulating specimens or samples containing bloodborne or respiratory pathogens, latex particles, or hazardous chemicals in BSL2 environment

• Lifting of objects up to 25 lbs. (equivalent to one full banker’s box)

• Possible exposure to ultraviolet light or lasers when using laboratory equipment

• Extended periods of donning personal protective equipment including but not limited to lab coats, goggles, gloves, masks, etc.

• Flexible to work weekends and holidays, if necessary

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

• Knowledge of HIPAA and other associated policies

• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM and Analytics

• Fluent in other languages (e.g. Spanish/Portuguese)

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit program