Experienced Senior Research Associate, Reagent Development – Liquid Biopsy Platform Development and Validation

Are you a highly motivated and experienced research professional with a passion for developing innovative reagents and assays for liquid biopsy platforms? Do you thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional teams and have a strong track record of delivering high-quality results in complex workflows? If so, we invite you to join our dynamic team at Exai Bio as a Senior Research Associate, Reagent Development.

About Exai Bio

Exai Bio is a cutting-edge biotechnology company pioneering the development of next-generation liquid biopsy platforms for cancer diagnostics. Our team of veteran leaders in RNA biology, liquid biopsy, and artificial intelligence/machine learning fields from academia and industry is dedicated to advancing cancer diagnostics and artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies. With backing from leading life sciences and tech investors, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workforce and providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.

Job Summary

As a Senior Research Associate, Reagent Development, you will play a critical role in the development of robust reagents and QC methods for our liquid biopsy platform. You will work closely with the assay development and automation teams to design, optimize, and validate analytical assays for testing and developing various reagents. Your expertise in NGS methods development, automating nucleic acid-based workflows, and RNA biology will be invaluable in driving the success of our platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and validate analytical assays for testing and developing various reagents to maximize the efficiency of automated RNA extraction and sequencing from biofluids

• Develop assay controls and functional QC methods to evaluate assay/reagent performance
• Perform guardbanding/time course experiments to pressure test the assay for reagent stability
• Work with vendors and supply chain to develop reagent/kit formulations and develop purchasing specifications
• Build pilot manufacturing and QC processes
• Maintain clear and detailed experimental records, write SOPs/purchasing specs independently
• Work with Clinical Laboratory Operations to establish reagent transfer and storage procedures
• Present at lab meetings, contribute to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Assist in training of new team members

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need to bring the following qualifications and skills:

• BS/MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics, or related discipline with a minimum 3-4 years of relevant hands-on experience in complex processes and workflows
• Track record in NGS methods development and/or automating nucleic acid-based workflows. Experience in RNA biology, cell-free nucleic acid biology, and/or cancer biology is a plus. Strong preference given to candidates with previous experience of automated assay development
• Familiarity with functional and component QC methods, data analysis tools such as MATLAB, R, Python is desirable
• Experience with working as part of a multidisciplinary and collaborative team
• Experience working with vendors and supply chain management for developing purchasing specs is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including all eligible booster(s), with the exception of a medical or religious exemption

Benefits

As a member of our team, you can expect:

• An inspiring working culture where our core values are more than just words on a page. We walk the talk!
• Base Salary Range: Senior Research Associate (BS + 4 years experience or MS + 2 years of experience, $84,000 to $126,000), takes into account factors including experience, skills, location, education, and other compensation and benefits being offered
• Comprehensive Benefits: medical/dental/vision, STD/LTD, Life/AD&D, HSA with employer contribution, FSA, employee assistance program, paid time off, generous holiday schedule, equity, and 401k matching
• Additional Benefits: hybrid and remote work options, commuter benefits, home office subsidy, and learning & development opportunities

What We Value

Our core values represent what we stand for as a team. This is what we believe in. Everyday, we strive to align our behaviors to these core values in everything we do.

Integrity

– Our thoughts and actions are true to science and to people. We do the right thing.

Openness

– We recognize and respect our differences – and embrace learning from them.

Teamwork

– We are team players who trust and respect each other.

Exploration

– We are explorers, putting curiosity into action.

Kindness

– We are kind whenever possible – and we believe it’s always possible.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced research professional looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Exai Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workforce and providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. Apply for this job