Senior Research Associate

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Research Associate to help grow the Freenome Genomic Early Development team. In this role you will participate in the development of genomic assay technologies and contribute to Freenome’s multi‑omic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You will work closely with scientists, automation engineers, and computational biologists to develop, optimize, and characterize efficient automated workflows that improve experimental and clinical throughput in a regulated high‑throughput environment. You will also collaborate with operations, quality, and regulatory teams to transfer complex methodologies, processes, and assays to operations, ensuring the highest quality data is produced by our clinical lab. This position reports to the Senior Manager of the Genomic Early Development team and is based onsite at our Brisbane, California headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Apply hands‑on knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic‑acid biochemistry, and next‑generation sequencing to develop and optimize NGS‑based methods and processes following Design Controls for IVD development.
• Design and perform experiments to develop, optimize, and characterize NGS workflows including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Operate and maintain NGS‑related instruments such as automated liquid handlers, PCR instruments, and sequencers.
• Conduct new reagent testing and develop reagent quality‑control methods.
• Participate in troubleshooting, identify, and implement process improvements for the entire analytical workflow.
• Collaborate with research, computational scientists, and automation engineers to transfer research prototype assays from research to development.
• Collaborate with Quality Control Lab, Manufacturing Lab, Quality, and Regulatory teams to transfer reagent quality‑control methods and manufacturing processes from development to operations and support their implementation.
• Accurately record results in electronic lab notebooks, author work instructions and record forms, and contribute to writing study protocols and reports.
• Diligently apply current Good Laboratory and Documentation Practices (cGLP, cGDP).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience in the life sciences, or a Master’s in a related field.
• Hands‑on experience in next‑gen sequencing (NGS) assay development, including extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing.
• Familiarity with molecular biology, genomics, NGS, assay development, sample preparation, reagent handling, or related laboratory workflows (e.g., plasma separation, DNA/RNA extraction, purification, quantification, NGS library preparation).
• Experience designing, planning, and executing experiments, interpreting results, preparing data for review, and delivering scientific presentations.
• High attention to detail with the ability to record accurate observations, assess impact, and perform troubleshooting as required.
• Ability to manually pipette with high confidence, accuracy, and precision.
• Clear, proactive communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members across disciplines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to the design and implementation of new processes.
• Flexibility and motivation to learn new skills and adapt to changing priorities.

Nice to Haves

• Experience working with methylated ctDNA/cfDNA as an analyte in liquid‑biopsy workflows.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers, laboratory information systems, sample‑tracking systems, and equipment scheduling/status tools.
• Familiarity with programming in a scientific language (e.g., Python or R).

Pay

The US target base salary range for new hires is $97,850 – $126,000.

Benefits

• Eligibility for equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, subject to the position offered.