
FSP - Scientist - Research Associate
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening), West Sacramento, CA, United States
Full onsite role at our customer’s site in Dixon, CA. We welcome applicants from all US locations. Relocation assistance is not provided; any relocation costs will be the candidate’s responsibility. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must pass a comprehensive background check, including a drug screening.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a primary expert for end-to-end Next‑Generation Sequencing workflows, including independent operation and high‑level troubleshooting of Illumina (MiSeq, iSeq) and Oxford Nanopore systems.
Perform daily operation and maintenance of laboratory robotics, including Beckman Biomek (FXp, i5, NXp) and ECHO 525 platforms.
Utilize Python coding to develop and maintain custom applications that automate data analysis, manage plate coordinates, and eliminate manual lab bottlenecks.
Independently design, optimize, and validate PCR/qPCR assays for complex mammalian genetic constructs, including Cre‑Lox conditional knock‑out and CRISPR‑edited lines.
Take full ownership of laboratory instrumentation, coordinating directly with vendors to resolve technical findings and perform equipment maintenance.
Maintain a detailed Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and utilize LIMS to manage troubleshooting samples, assays and instrument testing.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in laboratory sciences such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related biological science.
At least 2+ years of relevant experience as a scientist in the laboratory domain.
Or a Master’s degree in a related field.
In some cases, an equivalency consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered sufficient to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced understanding of PCR, quantitative/real‑time PCR (TaqMan; 5’ nuclease assay), and other nucleic acid detection techniques.
More than three years of hands‑on experience with Illumina next‑generation sequencing platforms (workflow, library prep, sequence analysis).
Functional knowledge regarding routine and complex mammalian genetic constructs resulting from genome engineering, such as conditional knock‑out models and CRISPR‑mediated modifications.
Proficiency in Python programming language for streamlining data‑heavy laboratory workflows and sequence analysis, demonstrated by the development of at least one laboratory application.
Hands‑on experience with high‑throughput liquid handlers and advanced electrophoresis instruments for DNA/RNA quality control.
Ability to present experimental results, proposed workflow improvements, and literature searches to large groups of internal stakeholders.
A high degree of independence while also being a strong team player.
Working Environment
Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner. Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours. Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Able to work in non‑traditional work environments. Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency. May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments. Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, an annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits.
Choice of national medical and dental plans, a national vision plan, and health incentive programs.
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability in accordance with company policy.
Retirement and savings programs, such as a competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a primary expert for end-to-end Next‑Generation Sequencing workflows, including independent operation and high‑level troubleshooting of Illumina (MiSeq, iSeq) and Oxford Nanopore systems.
Perform daily operation and maintenance of laboratory robotics, including Beckman Biomek (FXp, i5, NXp) and ECHO 525 platforms.
Utilize Python coding to develop and maintain custom applications that automate data analysis, manage plate coordinates, and eliminate manual lab bottlenecks.
Independently design, optimize, and validate PCR/qPCR assays for complex mammalian genetic constructs, including Cre‑Lox conditional knock‑out and CRISPR‑edited lines.
Take full ownership of laboratory instrumentation, coordinating directly with vendors to resolve technical findings and perform equipment maintenance.
Maintain a detailed Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and utilize LIMS to manage troubleshooting samples, assays and instrument testing.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in laboratory sciences such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related biological science.
At least 2+ years of relevant experience as a scientist in the laboratory domain.
Or a Master’s degree in a related field.
In some cases, an equivalency consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered sufficient to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced understanding of PCR, quantitative/real‑time PCR (TaqMan; 5’ nuclease assay), and other nucleic acid detection techniques.
More than three years of hands‑on experience with Illumina next‑generation sequencing platforms (workflow, library prep, sequence analysis).
Functional knowledge regarding routine and complex mammalian genetic constructs resulting from genome engineering, such as conditional knock‑out models and CRISPR‑mediated modifications.
Proficiency in Python programming language for streamlining data‑heavy laboratory workflows and sequence analysis, demonstrated by the development of at least one laboratory application.
Hands‑on experience with high‑throughput liquid handlers and advanced electrophoresis instruments for DNA/RNA quality control.
Ability to present experimental results, proposed workflow improvements, and literature searches to large groups of internal stakeholders.
A high degree of independence while also being a strong team player.
Working Environment
Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner. Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours. Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Able to work in non‑traditional work environments. Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency. May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments. Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, an annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits.
Choice of national medical and dental plans, a national vision plan, and health incentive programs.
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability in accordance with company policy.
Retirement and savings programs, such as a competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
#J-18808-Ljbffr