Senior Scientist, Operations Investigation Team (OIT) #4936

Grailbio
Durham, NC
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior scientists with strong molecular biology and NGS expertise who can independently troubleshoot platform performance issues and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Best fit for

  • Senior scientists with strong NGS and assay development experience in regulated biotech environments
    — “Experience working in regulated laboratory environments is preferred.
  • Individuals who can independently design and execute experiments to solve complex technical problems
    — “Proven experience independently designing and executing experiments and solving complex technical problems.
  • Candidates with a background in molecular biology and a history of leading root-cause investigations
    — “Demonstrated experience conducting root-cause investigations and developing practical technical solutions.

Things to consider

  • The role requires lab work with exposure to biological samples and chemicals
    — “Work may be performed in laboratory and office environments with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
  • Candidates must be prepared for extended hours during critical investigations
    — “May require extended hours to support critical investigations.

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in troubleshooting NGS platforms and optimizing lab workflows
    — “Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, workflows, and analytical tools to improve platform robustness, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Showcase cross-functional collaboration experience, especially with R&D and Quality teams
    — “Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Data Science, to resolve platform-related issues.
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • investigate platform performance issues
  • develop scientifically sound recommendations
Typical background
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Experimental DesignNGS TechnologiesRoot Cause AnalysisTechnical Troubleshooting

Preferred

Laboratory AutomationInnovative Mindset

Stack & domain

NGS TechnologiesAssay DevelopmentLaboratory AutomationTroubleshootingData InterpretationCommunicationCollaborationBiotechnologyCancer Research

About the role

Original posting from Grailbio via Lever

Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.

We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.

GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.

For more information, please visit grail.com

Responsibilities::

Independently design, plan, and execute experiments to investigate platform performance issues and support troubleshooting efforts.

Analyze experimental data, identify root causes, and develop scientifically sound recommendations.

Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental methods, workflows, and analytical tools to improve platform robustness, reliability, and efficiency.

Investigate sources of technical variability and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and investigation summaries to communicate findings and recommendations.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Data Science, to resolve platform-related issues.

Provide technical expertise in experimental design, troubleshooting strategies, and data interpretation.

Contribute to the development of new technologies, analytical tools, and process improvements that enhance platform performance.

Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and applicable regulatory standards.

These responsibilities summarize the role’s primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company’s discretion.

Required Qualifications::

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Strong expertise in molecular biology, NGS technologies, assay development, or related experimental disciplines.

Experience with laboratory or biotech automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic workcells, automated sample-processing systems) is highly desirable.

Proven experience independently designing and executing experiments and solving complex technical problems.

Demonstrated experience conducting root-cause investigations and developing practical technical solutions.

Strong scientific communication and technical presentation skills.

Experience working in regulated laboratory environments is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications::

Advanced troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause investigation skills.

Strong experimental design and data interpretation capabilities.

Ability to manage multiple investigations and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams.

Innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Demands and Environment::

Work may be performed in laboratory and office environments with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.

Requires appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

May require extended hours to support critical investigations.

Regular laboratory activities, including pipetting and operation of laboratory instrumentation.

This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.

GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at rc@grailbio.com if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.

GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!

Source: Grailbio careers (Lever)

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