Personalis

Research Associate 2/ Sr. Research Associate - Assay Development

Personalis$85K — $115K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on molecular biology lab experience in biotech/pharma.
  • Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction and NGS library preparation.
  • Strong preference for experience with liquid biopsy or FFPE sample processing.
  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills, eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Support R&D scientists in developing and optimizing novel oncology assays.
  • Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples and prepare high-quality NGS libraries.
  • Process sample cohorts for assay validation studies and collaborations under tight deadlines.
  • Evaluate and provide feedback on new protocols to optimize SOPs.
  • Maintain sample tracking and detailed experimental records in lab notebooks.
  • Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and company policies.

Benefits

  • Annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive units (equity).
  • Full range of medical benefits.
  • Financial benefits dependent on position level.
  • Opportunity for hybrid work flexibility.
Full Job Description
Summary:

In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team of scientists, assay developers, and clinicians to plan, execute, and analyze cutting-edge oncology solutions. You will provide hands-on NGS equipment operation and library preparation using real-world samples to develop novel precision medicine products used by pharma, biotech, and clinical partners.

Responsibilities
  • Assay & Workflow Execution: Support R&D scientists in developing, optimizing, and validating novel oncology assays and workflows.
  • Sample Prep & Library Generation: Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples (blood, tissue) and construct high-quality libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
  • Validation & Collaboration Studies: Process sample cohorts for critical assay validation studies and external industry/academic collaborations under tight timelines.
  • Protocol Refinement: Evaluate new protocols as a front-line user and provide constructive feedback to optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Documentation & Reporting: Maintain meticulous sample tracking and experimental records in lab notebooks; present findings in team meetings.
  • Compliance: Maintain compliance with safety guidelines, quality standards, and company policies.

Qualifications
  • Education: BS/MS in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or a related biological science.
  • Experience: 3+ years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience (biotech/pharma preferred).
  • Technical Expertise: Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, quality control (e.g., Qubit, TapeStation), and NGS library preparation.
  • Assay Specialization: Experience with liquid biopsy (cfDNA/cfRNA) or FFPE sample processing is strongly preferred.
  • Skills & Drive: Strong organizational and communication skills with a drive to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

The hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

#LI-KK1 #LI-Hybrid

About Personalis

Personalis is a biotechnology company that specializes in genomic sequencing and analysis. The company provides services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as research institutions. Personalis was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
Learn more about Personalis
Size
325 employees
Market Cap
$80.6 million
Industry
Net Income
-$41.2 million
Founded
2011
Revenue
$78.6 million
NASDAQ

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