Genomic Diagnostics Research Associate
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job SummaryPurdue University's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Research Associate to help advance high-impact genomic diagnostics in support of animal health, public health, clinical diagnostics, surveillance, and outbreak response. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work at a globally respected research university while applying scientific expertise, technical leadership, and innovation to strengthen sequencing-based diagnostic capabilities.
In this position, you will independently develop, optimize, validate, implement, and continuously improve genomic diagnostic assays within the ADDL Genomic Diagnostics section. You will serve as a technical lead for next-generation sequencing applications, including targeted sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and bioinformatics workflows, while supporting Purdue's mission of discovery, service, and innovation.
The Research Associate will lead the development, optimization, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement of genomic diagnostic assays while independently analyzing and interpreting next-generation sequencing data. This position will design validation studies, evaluate assay performance, troubleshoot sequencing and bioinformatics workflows, perform genomic epidemiology, prepare technical reports, and recommend process improvements that support accurate and efficient diagnostic testing. The role will also contribute to laboratory research and development by evaluating emerging sequencing technologies, leading pilot studies, developing new diagnostic capabilities, and supporting grants, publications, presentations, and collaborative research projects. In addition, the Research Associate will help maintain quality operations through SOP development, quality control metrics, quality issue investigations, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance, while providing technical leadership through training, mentoring, implementation of new laboratory procedures, emergency diagnostic testing, result release, and after-hours outbreak response according to laboratory policy.
A cover letter is required to be fully consideredThe target salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $94,000 annually, based on experience and skills.What We're Looking For:Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- One year of experience in molecular biology, genomics, veterinary microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related
- Experience with Sanger sequencing analysis and interpretation
- Experience with bioinformatics workflows and tools used for diagnostic sequence analysis, pipeline execution, and reporting, including command-line environments, workflow management systems (e.g., Nextflow, Snakemake), file transfer and data management platforms (e.g., Globus), and sequence analysis/reporting platforms such as Galaxy and EPI2ME.
- Experience with PCR, real-time PCR, and nucleic acid extraction workflows
- Experience with library preparation and sequencing workflows for next-generation sequencing platforms
Skills needed:
- Strong background in molecular biology laboratory techniques and molecular diagnostic workflows
- Working knowledge of genomic data analysis relevant to diagnostic applications, including sequence QC, mapping/assembly, pathogen identification, and phylogenetic analysis
- Ability to maintain accurate records, support SOP and quality documentation, and follow laboratory compliance requirements
- Ability to work independently on technical tasks while collaborating effectively with laboratory and faculty leadership
What is helpful:
- Demonstrated experience independently developing and validating molecular or genomic diagnostic assays
Career StreamProfessional 2
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
