Hiring: Senior Research Associate Company: SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) Location: San Carlos, CA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-17 00:24:02 Employment Type: Hybrid Target Skills & Keywords : Python About the job Experience: •Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field with 4+ years if relevant industry or M.S. degree in molecular biology or related field with a minimum of 2+ years of relevant industry experience in a research and/or assay development setting. •4+ years if relevant industry or M.S. degree in molecular biology or related field with a minimum of 2+ years of relevant industry experience in a research and/or assay development setting. Required Skills: •Design, develop, and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be submitted to FDA and regulatory bodies, and be run in a commercial single-site IVD CLIA laboratory. •Implement assigned technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays. •Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform basic data analysis (e.g. JMP, Excel). •Partner cross-functionally with other assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for future production assays. •Interface directly with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards. •Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects. •Write project protocols, reports and SOPs and train lab operations clinical lab scientists on procedures. •Plan and execute verification activities. Qualifications: •In-depth knowledge of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies •Applied hands-on capability in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assays •Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player •Data analysis (JMP and Excel) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plus •Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills •Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory affairs, CLIA, LIMS, lab operations QA, automation, research) Compensation: •$108,600 - $135,700 / year •Competitive benefits and rewards package •Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!