Personalis

Research Associate 2/ Sr. Research Associate - Product 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 required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience, preferably in biotech or pharma.
  • Proven expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and NGS library preparation techniques.
  • Experience with liquid biopsy and FFPE sample processing preferred.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

  • Support R&D scientists in developing and optimizing novel oncology assays and workflows.
  • Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples and construct high-quality NGS libraries.
  • Process sample cohorts for assay validation studies and industry collaborations under tight deadlines.
  • Evaluate new protocols and provide feedback for optimizing SOPs.
  • Maintain thorough documentation and tracking of sample processing and experimental data.
  • Ensure compliance with safety guidelines, quality standards, and company policies.

Benefits

  • Annual performance-based bonus and equity incentives are included in the compensation package.
  • Full range of medical benefits is provided to employees.
  • Commitment to reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
  • Inclusive workplace that fosters a safe recruitment experience.
  • Dedicated communication protocol to ensure candidate security throughout the hiring process.
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 an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contacts you.

Protecting Our Candidates: At Personalis, we value your security. Please note that all official correspondence from our team will come exclusively from @personalis.com email addresses. We will never ask for personal financial information or conduct interviews over text or chat platforms. If you receive a suspicious request, it is likely a scam. We are committed to a safe recruitment experience and actively work with authorities to investigate and prosecute cyber crimes targeting our community.

#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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