Senior Staff Development Scientist at Freenome

Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company developing tests to detect cancer using a standard blood draw. To do this, Freenome uses a multiomics platform that combines tumor and non-tumor signals with machine learning to find cancer in its earliest, most-treatable stages. 

Cancer is relentless. This is why Freenome is building the clinical, economic, and operational evidence to drive cancer screening and save lives. Our first screening test is for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas, and it’s just the beginning. 

Founded in 2014, Freenome has ~400 employees and continues to grow to match the scope of our ambitions to provide access to better screening and earlier cancer detection.  

At Freenome, we aim to impact patients by empowering everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. This, together with our high-performing culture of respect and cross-collaboration, is what motivates us to make every day count.

Become a Freenomer

Do you have what it takes to be a Freenomer? A “Freenomer” is a determined, mission-driven, results-oriented employee fueled by the opportunity to change the landscape of cancer and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Freenomers bring their diverse experience, expertise, and personal perspective to solve problems and push to achieve what’s possible, one breakthrough at a time.

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Staff Scientist to help grow the Freenome Genomics Early Development team. The ideal candidate will serve as an expert in the field and a technical assay architect to lead end-to-end development and optimization of new and existing Genomics targeted/NGS assay workflows and processes that are ready for scale-up, automation and implementation in a clinical laboratory. You will collaborate extensively with the Molecular Research, Computational Science, Late Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory & Program Management teams to develop and transfer technologies into a regulated, high-throughput environment and contribute to Freenome’s multiomic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You will have a significant impact on the continued growth of an organization dedicated to changing the entire landscape of cancer. 

The role reports to the Senior Director, Development.  This role will be an on-site role based in our Brisbane, California headquarters. 

What you’ll do:

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for the most complex Research or Development Programs and lead initiatives to proactively identify opportunities, evaluate prototype assays
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for the most complex Research or Development Programs and lead initiatives to proactively identify opportunities, evaluate prototype assays 
• Influence technology adoption, product design, publications, IP, and business strategy by providing sound technical input that balances technical and business objectives
• Provide hands-on subject matter expertise in the prototype transfer from Research to Development, and contribute to  subsequent Design and Development of a broad range of NGS assays in alignment with Freenome’s product core strategy
• Serve as an assay architect and provide leadership in the Product Development Design Control, Technology transfer & Change control process
• Motivate teams to work efficiently and effectively through delegation, coaching, mentoring and technical leadership skills
• Serve as the chief cross-functional liaison representing Product Development 
• Demonstrate the ability and agility to lead multiple projects/ programs; can multi-task effectively
• Take lead on implementing ideas or process improvements with a significant impact on Freenome’s technology platform and the business as a whole, and take full accountability for their overall technical direction 
• Serves as a thought partner for internal and external stakeholders and be called upon as a technical subject matter expert 
• Set technical direction for programs and adapt communication style to effectively communicate the depth of the work to compel and influence diverse audiences
• Meticulously establish and document procedures and processes that have visible impact on the strategic goals of the company 
• Exemplify Freenome cultural values across the organization

Must haves:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field with 15+ years of experience or PhD with 12+ years of experience in Product
• Development preferably in an in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry 
• Deep expertise in running and developing automated molecular biology and biochemistry assays, primarily Illumna  Next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays along with strong expertise with analysis and interpretation of NGS data
• Proven track record of developing products; is an industry-recognized subject matter expert on NGS workflows with up-to-date knowledge of related fields 
• Extensive experience in working with ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in NGS workflows and technologies. 
• Excellent communications skills and stakeholder management skill

Nice to haves:

• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, GLP/GCLP, IVD development) strongly desired
  
• Experience with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA is a plus
  

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary for new hires is  $166,175 - $252,500. You will also be eligible to receive pre-IPO equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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