Senior Research Associate

Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company developing tests to detect cancer using a standard blood draw. To do this, Freenome uses a multiomics platform that combines tumor and non-tumor signals with machine learning to find cancer in its earliest, most-treatable stages. 

Cancer is relentless. This is why Freenome is building the clinical, economic, and operational evidence to drive cancer screening and save lives. Our first screening test is for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas, and it’s just the beginning. 

Founded in 2014, Freenome has ~400 employees and continues to grow to match the scope of our ambitions to provide access to better screening and earlier cancer detection.  

At Freenome, we aim to impact patients by empowering everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. This, together with our high-performing culture of respect and cross-collaboration, is what motivates us to make every day count.

Become a Freenomer

Do you have what it takes to be a Freenomer? A “Freenomer” is a determined, mission-driven, results-oriented employee fueled by the opportunity to change the landscape of cancer and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Freenomers bring their diverse experience, expertise, and personal perspective to solve problems and push to achieve what’s possible, one breakthrough at a time.

About this opportunity:

As a Senior Research Associate - IVD Development at Freenome, you will work to develop the assay technologies for our multiomic platform manually and on robotic platforms.  Thereafter you will characterize, verify, and validate clinical products and performance aimed at early detection and intervention in human disease. You will work cross-functionally to execute studies, apply your knowledge of laboratory techniques and analytical methods, and transfer technologies into a regulated, high-throughput environment. 

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Development. In this role, you will be expected to work onsite in our Brisbane, CA office 5 days per week. 

What you’ll do:

• Perform mission-critical experiments, while diligently applying current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP), to help optimize and characterize the performance of Freenome’s assays
• Gather high-quality data, take detailed notes, and openly communicate on lessons learned while performing experiments
• Participate in experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting efforts
• Identify and implement process improvements across the lab by thinking critically about the execution of all experiments
• Collaborate with engineers and clinical laboratory members to transition development protocols into clinical production, including automation, validation experiments, and SOP development

Must haves:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field
• 4+ years of laboratory experience in the life sciences preferable performing assay development in clinical diagnostics industry and/or start-up environment
• Hands-on experience with running and developing automated molecular biology assays such as:
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS), including library preparation, working with the Illumina platform, and data analysis
• Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, ddPCR)
• Experience in working with ctDNA/cfDNA and with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in NGS workflows
• Proven track record of running successful experiments, preparing data for review, and giving effective scientific presentations
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP/GCLP, IVD development)
• Ability to perform basic data analysis and to be critical of results obtained during experimentation  
• Clear communications skills and ability to work with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines
  

Nice to haves:

• Hands-on experience with with biochemistry assays (ELISAs, Western blotting)
• Understanding of the biology of human cell-free nucleic acids, particularly for application to cancer biology preferred
• Experience in a CLIA lab is preferred
• Experience with Python or R is preferred
  

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary/hourly rate for new hires is $87,550 - $134,000.You will also be eligible to receive pre-IPO equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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