Senior Scientist (Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development)
Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to transforming the care continuum for patients suffering from debilitating and chronic autoimmune diseases. Our goal is to enable rheumatologists to improve care for patients through the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of complex autoimmune and autoimmune-related diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. By leveraging our proprietary Cell-Bound Complement Activation Products, or CB-CAPs, technology, we help get to the real cause of a patient’s symptoms and guide their journey to improved health.
About the Opportunity:
As a Senior Scientist, you will perform, and lead if required, the development of new assays for diagnostics and research projects, from inception through planning and transfer to the clinical lab.
Responsibilities:
- Research literature for emerging biomarkers and perform scientific diligence.
- Supervise and assist with the development, optimization and validation of new diagnostic assays.
- Participate in new technology evaluations.
- Collaborate with other members of the scientific staff within and outside the R&D group, including academic collaborators, external consultants, and scientists.
- Complete all aspects of laboratory activities, for example sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Independently design experiments, perform data analysis, and troubleshoot technical issues relating to assay development and quality.
- Maintain accurate and complete records.
- Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other documents including validation reports under CLIA/CAP guidelines.
- Comply with all company SOPs and safety standards.
- Write scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and present at conferences in collaboration with academic collaborators.
- Perform other related duties as needed and required by supervisors.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer and patient information.
- Manage samples from experiments, collaborations, and clinical trials.
- Work effectively in cross-functional project teams in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- May coordinate and prioritize workload for Research Associates and/or Scientists.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, or related field, with 4+ years of industry experience, or Master’s degree with 8+ years of industry experience, or Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years industry experience.
- Laboratory skills must include molecular methods such as RNA/DNA/Protein sample preparations, hands-on NGS experience, qPCR, and gene expression profiling.
- Bioinformatics skills as relating to genomics and GE analysis.
- Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated ability to independently understand and apply complex technical concepts to testing methodology.
- Must have good communication skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time- and project management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and/or FDA regulations and Quality Systems.
- Supervisory experience.
- Flow cytometry experience.
- Knowledge of autoimmune diseases, in particular lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.