Associate Research Scientist II

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At Exact Sciences, we're helpingchange how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

The Associate Research Scientist II, with limited guidance from more experienced scientists, works individually or in collaboration with others on multiple projects which are moderate to complex in scope. The Associate Research Scientist II plays an active role in planning of projects and experiments and is often the technical lead responsible for the successful execution of project(s). This role is responsible for conducting hands on experimentation and the analysis and presentation of data. Working in a team setting, the Associate Research Scientist II, will primarily be involved in Research and Development projects actively participating in translating research ideas and concepts into the product development pipeline towards development of

diagnostic assay products.

This position will initially focus on utilizing DNA sequencing-based methodologies for cancer detection for diagnostic product development. The position may also contribute to development and optimization and/or characterization of all aspects of clinical sample testing, e.g. specimen processing, nucleic acid isolation, library construction, target enrichment, and target detection workflows. Key responsibilities include operating and optimizing NGS workflows and associated automation methods, troubleshooting technical issues, managing experiments, ensuring data quality, maintaining thorough documentation such as protocols and technical reports, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Essential Duties

include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct bench level experiments within several product or technology areas and identifies problems and discrepancies.
• Independently plan and analyze results of bench level experiments within several product or technology areas; effectively present at data meetings, group meetings, and project team meetings.
• Operate scientific instrumentation related to performance of duties and notify appropriate personnel of any problems.
• Effectively utilize and apply methods or technologies and provides ideas for new techniques, when appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of technological industry developments that could assist in completion of an assignment or aid in the development of new processes or procedures.
• Provide technical input and participate in decisions affecting project planning and experimental design.
• Prepare and provide information and data for scientific abstracts/conferences/project meetings/publication.
• Generate, document, and communicate development plans for critical aspects of a project.
• Participate in the development of research plans and experimental outlines to write experimental protocols and perform laboratory experiments.
• Prepare detailed technical procedures, protocols, and reports.
• Evaluate impact of nonconforming data to product or process.
• Maintain lab notebook in a complete and consistent manner, following all legal, ISO, and QSR requirements, as well as keeping clear and complete.
• Present experimental results and defend scientific ideas and findings at project or departmental meetings.
• Work on individual assignments and with project team members as appropriate to meet department and project objectives.
• Work within project timeframes that are established collaboratively by team members.
• Act as technical leader for a project of moderate scope.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement to interpret results, analyze data, and present findings in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Assist in planning and recommendation of activities that account for prioritization of organizational and department goals.
• Ability to train and mentor junior level research associates.
• Ability to organize, present, and convey moderate problems or issues.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively work on several varied projects at one time, with frequent changing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Apply sound technical knowledge and ability gained through experience and/or learning.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends.
• Ability to lift to 20 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, pipettes for extended periods of time.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Ability and means to travel between Exact Sciences locations.
• Ability to travel 5% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemical/Physical/Biological Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in molecular biology and /or biochemical techniques.
• Basic understanding of GMP, ISO, and Quality Systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical and mathematical methods in biology/genetics/genomics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science or pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction, quantification, and physical analysis (e.g. electrophoresis).
• Experience using PCR, qPCR, or ddPCR for sample analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments.
• Hands on experience with DNA library construction and target enrichment for analysis on Next Generation Sequencing platforms a plus.
• Familiarity with assay development, optimization, and validation processes.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, bioinformatics, clinical operations, and quality teams.

Salary Range:

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

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