Senior Research Associate
Redwood City, CA
Research & Development – Molecular Biology /
On-site
About Karius
Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body. By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to the microbial landscape to accelerate biomarker discovery and clinical trials, discover novel microbes, to ultimately reduce patient suffering worldwide.
Position Summary
As a Senior Research Associate you will work alongside scientific leaders in NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics providing meaningful contributions to making an impact in the lives of patients while contributing to the company’s growth and development. You will have the opportunity to foster process excellence for a state-of-the-art NGS infectious disease diagnostic assay by manufacturing and qualifying reagents for Karius assays.
You will also be involved with development projects and be at the forefront of non-invasive diagnostics working alongside our scientists to deliver new products. The ideal candidate should have experience with nucleic acids, NGS, or other molecular biology assays to conduct laboratory experiments under the direction of senior lab personnel.
Why Should You Join Us?
Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The Karius test we provide today is one of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our test is the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.
Reports to: Staff Scientist, Manufacturing
*This position is not open to agency support at this time. Agencies, please contact recruiting@kariusdx.com and not the hiring manager for inquiries.
Location: Redwood City, CA
Primary Responsibilities
• Responsible for all phases of manufacturing and qualifying in-house reagents for the current commercial products (including reagent build scheduling, material procurement, and reagent formulation and filling).
• Execute development experiments of moderate to high complexity.
• Maintain and stock reagent manufacturing and R&D laboratories.
• Responsible for detailed documentation of all processes according to the Karius quality management system.
• Work comfortably in a fast-paced, collaborative, startup environment.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
What’s Fun About the Job?
Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.
Travel: No travel required.
Physical Requirements
Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor and moderate noise levels.
Position Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field.
• A minimum of 4 to 6 years of industry-related laboratory experience.
• Strong molecular biology skills; e.g. DNA/RNA purification, nucleic acids hybridization, PCR, qPCR.
• Experience with NGS (preparing libraries, running NGS instruments); NGS data processing is a big plus.
• Critical thinking, attention to detail, and thorough record-keeping.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Excel and Word.
Personal Qualifications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
• Highly goal-driven and have demonstrated the ability to effectively prioritize and focus on time-sensitive objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent teamwork and motivation skills are essential.
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Strong work ethic to generate high quality work under tight deadlines.
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees, and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting, and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@kariusdx.com and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
