Assay Development - Research Associate 2 / Sr. Research Associate

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

Summary:

In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team of scientists, assay developers, and clinicians to plan, execute, and analyze cutting-edge oncology solutions. You will provide hands-on NGS equipment operation and library preparation using real-world samples to develop novel precision medicine products used by pharma, biotech, and clinical partners.

Responsibilities

• Assay & Workflow Execution: Support R&D scientists in developing, optimizing, and validating novel oncology assays and workflows.
• Sample Prep & Library Generation: Extract DNA/RNA from biological samples (blood, tissue) and construct high-quality libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Validation & Collaboration Studies: Process sample cohorts for critical assay validation studies and external industry/academic collaborations under tight timelines.
• Protocol Refinement: Evaluate new protocols as a front-line user and provide constructive feedback to optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain meticulous sample tracking and experimental records in lab notebooks; present findings in team meetings.
• Compliance: Maintain compliance with safety guidelines, quality standards, and company policies.

Qualifications

• Education: BS/MS in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry, or a related biological science.
• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience (biotech/pharma preferred).
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, quality control (e.g., Qubit, TapeStation), and NGS library preparation.
• Assay Specialization: Experience with liquid biopsy (cfDNA/cfRNA) or FFPE sample processing is strongly preferred.
• Skills & Drive: Strong organizational and communication skills with a drive to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

The hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Personalis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contacts you.

Protecting Our Candidates: At Personalis, we value your security. Please note that all official correspondence from our team will come exclusively from @personalis.com email addresses. We will never ask for personal financial information or conduct interviews over text or chat platforms. If you receive a suspicious request, it is likely a scam. We are committed to a safe recruitment experience and actively work with authorities to investigate and prosecute cyber crimes targeting our community.

Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits. (For US only, benefits in other countries may vary.) 

#LI-KK1 #LI-Hybrid