R&D Research Associate

Universal DX, Inc. is an international company focused on cracking cancer’s code through multi‑omics and bioinformatics models. By reading disease signals in blood with high accuracy, they aim to detect cancer at its earliest stages, starting with a colorectal cancer screening liquid biopsy test and expanding to a multi‑cancer platform.

About the role

Universal DX is seeking an R&D Research Associate to support the continued development and refinement of Signal‑C, a next‑generation sequencing (NGS) assay for colorectal cancer screening. This hands‑on, onsite position in Dallas‑Fort‑Worth involves executing customized study protocols, investigating unexpected results, and contributing to assay chemistry and performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Assist scientists in preparing bench protocols and running plans.
• Execute bespoke studies with guidance, documenting experimental variables, controls, and protocol revisions.
• Process plasma and extract cell‑free DNA (cfDNA); perform library preparation, methylation conversion, PCR, bead cleanup, target capture, and sequencing.
• Support whole‑blood processing when required by a study.
• Set up and run Hamilton or similar liquid handlers after training; verify deck layouts, worklists, labware, and study‑specific parameters; raise method or run issues with Automation.
• Prepare reagent mixes, dilutions, controls, plate maps, and library pools; check calculations, sample availability, identities, index assignments, and sequencing sample sheets.
• Assess DNA and library yield, purity, and size using TapeStation and other quantification methods; review QC results and flag variability for follow‑up.
• Support optimization, robustness, stability, and verification studies evaluating extraction conditions, library chemistry and adapters, capture panels, and processing parameters.
• Assist in investigating unexpected results by checking controls, sample quality, reagents, reaction conditions, and automation performance; document observations and conduct follow‑up experiments with scientists.
• Maintain complete experiment and LIMS records covering protocol changes, results, deviations, corrective actions, reagent lots, instrument settings, sample IDs, remaining volumes, and storage/freeze‑thaw history.
• Summarize results for review; support protocols, SOPs, reports, and training materials.
• Coordinate with scientists, Molecular Technologists, Automation, Bioinformatics, Quality, and sample‑management colleagues.
• Perform and document routine equipment checks and maintenance.
• Follow safety and contamination‑control procedures for human specimens, chemicals, and hazardous waste.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, biomedical or biomechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on molecular biology experience (academic research, internships, or industry) including DNA extraction, quantification, purification, PCR, reagent preparation, and accurate dilution calculations.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handlers or comparable laboratory automation; ability to learn Hamilton run setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow multistep protocols and learn study‑specific variations with guidance; basic understanding of molecular biology principles, experimental controls, and sources of variability.
• Capability to recognize unexpected results, review quantitative data, and assist with troubleshooting, seeking guidance when needed.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word (or equivalent) for reagent calculations, data summaries, plots, and clear laboratory documentation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to protect limited sample material while communicating findings and issues clearly.
• Willingness to work onsite in Dallas‑Fort‑Worth, maintain traceable experimental records, and follow laboratory quality, human‑specimen safety, and contamination‑control procedures.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on NGS experience, including library preparation, hybridization‑based target capture, library pooling, and sequencing on Illumina platforms.
• Familiarity with cfDNA methylation sequencing, enzymatic methylation conversion, and handling low‑input cfDNA or liquid biopsy samples.
• Experience running Hamilton liquid‑handling methods, performing routine instrument checks, and troubleshooting automated runs.
• Experience with TapeStation or comparable fragment‑analysis instruments and fluorometric or qPCR‑based DNA/library quantification.
• Background in assay development or optimization, including evaluating new reagents or protocols and supporting robustness, stability, or verification studies.
• Familiarity with LIMS, electronic notebooks, and IVD development or CLIA/CAP laboratory documentation (SOPs, deviations, corrective actions, sample traceability).

Benefits

• 22 days of PTO with the possibility to carry over 10 days to the following year.
• Company holidays plus your birthday off.
• Company‑sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Additional benefits to be announced.

Schedule

Flexible work schedule with onsite requirements in Dallas‑Fort‑Worth.