Senior Scientist I

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 a bench level scientist and is responsible for early development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays and/or product development in an FDA-QSR and ISO13485 compliant organization. The Senior Scientist I will also have the opportunities to be involved in all aspects of assay development including design of nucleic acid isolation methods from different sample types, design of highly multiplexed, real-time PCR and RT-PCR assays following Cepheid’s Design and Development guidelines.

This position is part of the Assay R&D Department and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA as an On-Site 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:

• Design real-time PCR oligos, optimize real-time PCR using Design of Experiments (DOE), evaluate and develop new sample preparation procedures and assay prototypes under minimal supervision.
• Develop infectious disease IVD tests based on design input requirements by following design control.
• Flexibility to work independently or as a team, and proficiency in designing experiments, interpreting data, and presenting to technical teams.
• Solve complex problems that have broad impact on Cepheid business by applying problem-solving skills and strategies for the development of IVD tests on the GeneXpert platform.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, and document results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports to meet the QSR Design Control, as well as other international standards such as ISO compliance and GLP/GMP requirements.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Advanced knowledge and application of nucleic acid extraction/purification, and real-time PCR or RT-PCR reactions.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze, and present data independently as well as in a team environment to demonstrate that products meet design input requirements. Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Knowledge of biological and chemical safety, and the ability to work in a BSL-2 environment with clinical samples. Comply with all Cepheid’s safety laws and procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with 5+ years of related industry experience OR Master’s degree in Life Sciences with 3+ years of related industry experience OR Ph.D. in Life Sciences with 0-2+ years of related industry experience.

Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Ability to lift, move or carry equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment wearing personal protective equipment including but not limited to lab coats, goggles, gloves, masks, etc. for extended periods.

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

• Participation in the research and/or development of an IVD commercial application
• Working with microorganisms involved in infectious diseases.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills, and proficiency with standard Microsoft computer programs and statistical analysis tools such as Minitab or JMP. 

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $103,000 to $161,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We ma