About the Job

The Senior Research Associate (SRA), Assay Development support late-stage development, design and laboratory systems integration of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based molecular diagnostic assays for internal and external research projects. As a senior-level position, the incumbent is responsible for leveraging additional years of experience and/or education for a more advanced level of analysis and research activities. The SRA prepares and analyzes human specimens, conducts laboratory experiments within guidelines and operates and maintains complex scientific equipment, such as high throughput liquid handlers. Additionally, the SRA evaluates and summarizes results, prepares reports, presents data, and remains up-to-date with current publications relative to methods and techniques within relevant areas of research to leverage and integrate these.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and isolate nucleic acid from oncology specimens (such as DNA/RNA extraction from FFPE tissues and blood samples).

• Perform standard molecular biology techniques (such as enzymatic manipulation of DNA and RNA).

• Perform specialized and complex experiments in such areas of Next Generation Sequencing.

• Operate complex laboratory equipment such as high throughput liquid handlers and Illumina sequencers.

• Support the timely processing and reporting of oncology samples to internal and external collaborators.

• Manage experimental data in a computer database (e.g. LIMS).

• Analyze and troubleshot QC results to ensure quality of products.

• Maintained proper QC/QA documentation.

• Develop and follow SOPs.

• Train and mentor other team members on standard operating procedures.

• Participate in training sessions and workshops.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology or a related life science field

• 3+ years of life science research experience in industry, a clinical research organization, or a hospital

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology or a related life science field

• Experience working with typical oncology specimens including Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, blood, bone marrow

• Experience working with standard molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid isolation and analysis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and enzymatic manipulation of DNA and RNA

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the practices and principals of NGS, including DNA-seq and RNA-seq protocols, and various target-enrichment approaches e.g. multiplex-PCR, hybrid selection

• Proficiency in the following software:

• Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and Excel

• JMP statistical software

• Familiarity with liquid handling equipment such as Hamilton Star

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, scientific concepts, experimental plans, and results

• Understanding of HIPAA and importance of privacy of patient data

• Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: passion, patients, collaboration, and innovation