Foresight Diagnostics is a cancer diagnostics company developing a novel liquid biopsy test for the measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD) for aid in patient management that is funded by leading diagnostics VC firms in Silicon Valley. Foresight’s cell-free DNA testing platform was developed in the labs of two prominent professors at Stanford University and is backed by several major Cell and Nature publications. The company has garnered significant partnering interest from multiple pharmaceutical companies in oncology and is poised for rapid growth. Foresight Diagnostics is headquartered in Aurora, Colorado.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Molecular Biologist tobe a key player in the development of Foresight’s cancer diagnostic workflow. The successful candidate will work within our R&D team to develop and validate cutting-edge cancer diagnostic NGS assays. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with members of the laboratory operations team, the bioinformatics team, and with other key internal and external stakeholders. This position requires being hands on in the lab, attention to detail, and the ability to design, implement, and validate novel assays for cancer screening and surveillance applications. The successful candidate will have a deep technical understanding of NGS assays and data analysis, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to be flexible with tasks, and the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
Responsibilities
Act as a core technical lead on the design and execution of R&D efforts leading to new product introductions and
regulatory submissions.
Drive development efforts to optimize assay performance and improve laboratory processes.
Perform complex analysis of large genomic data sets in collaboration with the bioinformatics team.
Be responsible for documentation in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and Quality Systems Requirements.
Present project updates, data analysis, and experimental conclusions at technical meetings.
Participate in brainstorming sessions and collaborative efforts within a highly interactive work environment.
Mentor junior team members.
Communicate effectively with coworkers and non-laboratory personnel.
Perform other laboratory duties as needed.
Requirements
Ph.D in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
Deep technical understanding of NGS assay development and NGS data analysis.
Ability to design and interpret results of technical experiments aimed at improving assay performance.
Experience with NGS library preparation, hybrid capture-based target enrichment, and Illumina sequencing
workflows.
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve complex molecular biology workflows.
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work proactively and with high integrity as part of a team within a highly collaborative environment.
Dedicated to making a difference in a fast-paced startup environment.
Preferred Experience
Prior Industry Experience.
A strong background in Cancer Biology.
Experience processing patient specimens.
Proficiency with Python, R, Bash scripting or similar programming languages.
Experience with standard NGS bioinformatics tools (e.g. Samtools, Bedtools, BWA, etc.).
We offer highly competitive salary and benefits combined with a generous equity package. You will be working on interesting problems with extremely high impact. We promote the professional development of our employees and will encourage upward mobility within the company for high performing employees. Foresight Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Clinical Laboratory Associate who will be responsible for assisting supporting the daily operations of the Foresight Clinical Laboratory. The work requires excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to be flexible with tasks and schedules, and the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment. The successful candidate will be a key part of a cross-functional team responsible for securing and maintaining CLIA certification, CAP accreditation, and state licensure for the Foresight Clinical Laboratory, including compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
Responsibilities
Assist in establishing Foresight’s Clinical Laboratory.
Perform analytical testing activities including specimen accessioning, testing, quality control, and validation
studies according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures.
Maintain reagents, consumables, stock solutions and inventory supply, including preparation and aliquoting of
reagents according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures.
Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance
specifications.
Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Clinical Laboratory Supervisor.
Assist with organizing and maintaining Clinical Laboratory records.
Collaborate with R&D scientists to design and analyze data from experiments to assess and improve assay
performance.
Participate in brainstorming sessions and collaborative efforts within a highly interactive work environment.
Communicate effectively with coworkers and non-laboratory personnel.
Identify process improvement opportunities and report to laboratory management.
Perform other laboratory duties as needed.
Requirements
BA or BS (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology or Physical/Life Science and 2+ years of full-time laboratory
experience.
Must meet the minimum criteria to meet the standards of high complexity testing as required by CAP/CLIA
(biology/physiology; chemistry and physics undergraduate coursework).
Good understanding of underlying scientific principals and working knowledge of testing procedures.
Experience in molecular biology techniques.
Aseptic laboratory skills and ability to perform precise but complex laboratory procedures.
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Attention to detail and ability to prioritize work in a highly regulated environment.
Ability to work proactively and with high integrity as part of a team within a highly collaborative environment.
Ability to participate in projects and complete assignments as expected with an emphasis on quality.
Flexibility of work schedule to meet the needs of Foresight’s Clinical Laboratory.
Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to maintain open communication with other internal
employees and managers as needed.
Dedicated to making a difference in a fast-paced startup environment.
Preferred Experience
Experience processing patient specimens.
Background in molecular biology and/or cancer biology.
Molecular diagnostics industry experience, ideally in a CLIA compliant laboratory environment.
Experience with NGS library preparation, hybrid capture-based target enrichment, and Illumina sequencing
workflows.
Experience with programming, bioinformatics, or computer science.
Physical Demands/Working Environment
Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
Standing or sitting for extended periods of time may be necessary.
May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing
elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary.
Some lifting (up to 40 pounds) may be necessary.
Standing; walking; climbing stairs; stooping to remove/replace files; good hand-eye coordination; upper body
twisting while handling supplies and equipment; using keyboard for computer and word processing for extended periods
of time will be required.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include excellent close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust the focus of the eyes.
Compensation
We offer highly competitive salary and benefits combined with a generous equity package. You will be working on interesting problems with extremely high impact. We promote the professional development of our employees and will encourage upward mobility within the company for high performing employees. Foresight Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
