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Salary: USD 110,700 - 166,100 / annual
Precision Medicine Group seeks a Principal Scientist to lead molecular assay design, development, and validation for biopharmaceutical clients. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you will work closely with your manager to support key scientific projects and ensure best practices in assay development and implementation.
You will design and develop innovative, qualified, and validated molecular assays including ddPCR, qPCR, Next Gen Sequencing, Nanostring, and FISH assays. A core responsibility is training and mentoring junior scientists and team members in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and presentation. You will serve as the technical expert for your team, supporting client communications and leading on technical matters.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing, implementing, and troubleshooting molecular assays to meet client specifications
- Overseeing scientists in writing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for regulatory compliance (GLP, CAP, CLIA)
- Overseeing generation of technical reports and client communications
- Training and mentoring scientific and technical staff; devising and performing competency assessments
- Supporting client proposals and contract reviews
- Maintaining safe lab practices and tracking laboratory efficiency and quality
- Acting as internal thought leader on technical advances and regulatory matters
- Ensuring scope of work adherence and managing scope creep
- Supporting work scheduling to meet financial targets
You will perform hands-on experiments as needed for training and mentoring, and communicate project plans and progress to clients according to agreed timelines and regulatory requirements.
**Requirements:**
Minimum Required:
- Ph.D. in life sciences or relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology)
- At least 8 years of related full-time laboratory experience
Other Required:
- Strong bench scientist skills in molecular assays; hands-on sequencing, ddPCR, and qPCR experience required
- Experience in validation/qualification of assays to CAP/CLIA/GLP or ISO guidelines
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experienced in technical report generation
- Ability to differentiate colors on the full color spectrum
- Ability to lift and carry 1–15 lbs.; lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance; frequently sit, grasp, and use finger dexterity; may be exposed to cold freezer environments (-20°C to -196°C)
- Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending English
Preferred:
- 10–15+ years' experience as a molecular laboratorian in a leadership role with direct reports
- Experience supervising or mentoring scientists or technical personnel
- Industrial experience and/or management of outside collaborations
- Solid understanding of current GxP or CAP/CLIA/ISO standards
- Previous work experience in GLP, GCLP, or CLIA regulatory compliance
