Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities: 

• Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method
• Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows
• Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions
• Diagnose and resolve experimental problems, distinguishing true method limitations from technical artifact, contamination, or workflow error; escalate appropriately and in a timely manner
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues, contributing to the definition of analytical requirements for the method
• Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous experimental records to a standard suitable for regulatory and patent purposes
• Present data, interpretations and recommendations clearly to the research team and to senior leadership, including honest assessment of negative or ambiguous results
• Work with internal and external teams to identify and obtain the contrived or clinical samples required for project completion

Additional Responsibilities (may be assigned):

• Work with the internal IP team to document and support the filing of contributions to novel elements of the method
• Contribute to the group's internal peer review of experimental design and data interpretation
• Attend additional training or educational opportunities as requested

Position Objectives:

• Achieves working competency in the core method workflows within the handover period
• Delivers a clear, evidence-based assessment of the method's technical viability
• Reports results accurately and with limited error, including results that do not support the working hypothesis
• Communicates effectively with laboratory, computational and leadership colleagues
• Adheres to NeoGenomics core values, safety, compliance, and Company policies and procedures

Education:

Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field, ideally with a focus on cancer or sequencing methodology

Equivalent experience will be considered: M.S. with 10 or more years, or B.S. with 14 or more years of relevant laboratory experience

Experience:

Qualification Requirements:

• Hands-on next generation sequencing library preparation experience is essential
• Experience with cell-free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred
• Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred
• Strong practical laboratory skills, particularly in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology
• Working knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and to identify the likely source of an unexpected result
• Experience handling human clinical samples, with awareness of the associated consent and governance requirements
• Genuine interest in technical invention and methodological depth
• Comfortable working on a project where the outcome is genuinely uncertain and where a well-evidenced negative result is a valid deliverable
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to present data honestly and clearly to non-specialist audiences
• Ability to work independently and within a small collaborative team
• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment and comply with safety policies and standards outlined in the Safety Manual