Senior Research Associate #2403

Key Skills

Java Programming, Risk Analytics, Python Programming, SQL, Data science techniques, R Programming, JMP, Statistical modeling, Data Analysis

Job Description

GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on alleviating the global burden of cancer by developing pioneering technology to detect and identify multiple deadly cancer types early. The company is using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop its multi-cancer early detection blood test. GRAIL is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. GRAIL, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN). For more information, please visit

GRAIL is seeking a Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate to support the continuous process development and improvement of GRAIL’s groundbreaking Multi-Cancer Early Detection assay. You will develop assay processes to improve reagent and sample integration to enable high throughput and robotic work cell-based workflows. Responsibilities include the characterization of reagent and in-process sample stability, assay guard-banding, development of workflows for sample re-QC, rerun, and repeat to decrease the product failure rate, and troubleshooting complex problems. The ideal candidate is a curious thinker and passionate problem-solver that possesses experience in developing automated NGS assay workflows.

You will...

• Plan, execute and record R&D experiments in collaboration with senior scientists and senior engineers by following best practices of the assay and instrument operations in compliance with safety guidelines
• Perform assay characterization to determine critical process parameters and tolerances of the system
• Support process development by participating in requirements gathering, process mapping, and risk assessment to determine reagent formats and sample intermediates
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and investigation activities for Quality events such as deviation, incident report, and CAPASupport continuous process improvement activities through change control for implementation in Operations.
• Evaluate and present experimental data analysis, methodology, and results at technical meetings as well as document experimental plans and results in reports

Your background should include...

• Previous experience as a hands-on Research Associate in Process Development, Process Engineering, or related occupation in Assay Integration with automated liquid handlers
• B.S. or M.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or relevant disciplines with a minimum of 2-4 years of work experience in an industry setting 
• Experience with the development and implementation of clinical laboratory tests under CAP/CLIA or FDA/regulated environments
• Experience with troubleshooting of NGS assay protocols including library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing with automated liquid handler is a plus
• Experience with statistical programming or software (e.g, R, JMP) is a plusAttention to detail, safety, good laboratory and documentation practiceStrong verbal and written communication skills and willingness to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced and dynamic environment 

GRAIL is an Equal Employment Office and Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We will reasonably accommodate all individuals with disabilities so that they can participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.