Scientist II at Foresight Diagnostics

Job Title: Scientist II

Company Summary

Foresight Diagnostics is an early-stage, venture-backed molecular diagnostics company that is developing non-invasive cancer detection technologies to improve the lives of patients worldwide. Our portfolio of cell-free DNA based liquid biopsy tests are rooted in novel and proprietary methods developed at Stanford University. Our approach enables the earlier detection of smaller tumors, leading to more personalized and effective cancer treatment strategies for patients. We have deep expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and maintain a dynamic, fast-paced work environment with significant opportunities for high-impact contribution and rapid professional growth. Foresight Diagnostics is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

Position Summary

Scientists in the Research Department at Foresight Diagnostics are responsible for conducting research and early development studies for next generation products that will drive the future growth of the company. Scientists must be creative, solutions-oriented, and professional with strong experience conceiving and developing NGS assays in a quality-focused environment. Scientists will work cross-functionally with departments such as bioinformatics, development, and automation engineering to create wet and dry laboratory processes demonstrating proof-of-concept through establishing a minimum viable product. This position reports to the Director of Research.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain meticulous and consistent documentation of all work performed, in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and Quality Systems requirements as appropriate.

• Rigorously adapt the scientific method and hypothesis testing to company priorities and the product development context.

  • Using strong technical knowledge of NGS chemistry, drive innovation of new methods across the breadth of cellular and molecular biology testing;

  • Participate in design, plan, execute, and report multiple research and early development studies;

  • Apply scientific creativity to solve problems encountered during first-attempts at new workflows and meet challenges posed by difficult sample types

  • Understand and execute bioinformatic analyses on NGS data, including assessment of sequencing data quality, execution of established pipelines and processes, and statistical comparison of experimental conditions, in order to design the next round of bench experiments

  • Understand the rationale and analytical approach for studies and draw conclusions and propose next steps based on evidence generated from both the wet lab and bioinformatic analyses;

  • Concisely and effectively communicate study results with audience-specific tailoring and integration of Foresight’s values.

• Participate in cross-functional projects as a technical contributor and clear communicator, working frequently with other departments to complete product life cycle deliverables:

  • Collaborate in building project timelines and defining deliverables;

  • Collaborate in technology transfer between work streams and product contexts;

  • Proactively communicate potential risks and issues;

  • Support others in troubleshooting technical issues and propose next steps;

  • Provide technical input and representation to support cross-functional deliverables such as risk assessments, publications, and regulatory submissions.

• Serve as a formal or informal technical mentor:

  • Train junior members on all aspects of core FDx assays, study design, data analysis, reporting, troubleshooting, and effective scientific communication;

  • Guide the day-to-day work of multiple team members as needed under direction/guidance of the Director of Research;

  • May serve as a reporting lead for junior team members.

• Design technology-driven processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and accelerate productivity of product development teams.

Skills and Qualifications

• Required

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

  • Minimum 1-3 years of industry experience in NGS assay development

  • Expertise in common molecular genetics techniques, especially library preparation and targeted enrichment for NGS

  • Expertise creating data visualizations, text, and/or presentations that clearly communicate complex scientific information and concepts for a broad audience

  • Proficiency in R, Python, bash, or similar

  • Eagerness to regularly perform benchwork

  • Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues

  • High emotional intelligence and self-awareness

  • High attention to detail, time management, and risk

  • Evidence-driven, confident, and decisive cross-functional communication

  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment

• Preferred

  • Subject matter expertise in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and/or liquid biopsy

  • Understanding of cancer biology and clinical processes

  • Experience in the product development processes from feasibility to validation

Physical Requirements

• This is a site-required position.

• This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

• This position requires that the individual is able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers are required.

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, writing and reviewing documents, and pipetting small volumes of clear liquids.

This role is salaried, exempt, with a hiring range between $110,000/year - $140,000/year, and is eligible for equity offerings.

Foresight offers benefits including paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave (if applicable), alongside medical, dental, vision, life, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and a 401k with company match. 

The application deadline for this position is October 15, 2024

You will be working on interesting problems with extremely high impact. We promote the professional development of our employees and will encourage upward mobility within the company for high performing employees. Foresight Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Foresight Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. For more information please contact: careers@foresight-dx.com