Senior Scientist

About our Company:  Foresight Diagnostics is an early-stage, venture-backed molecular diagnostics company that is developing non-invasive cancer detection technologies to improve the lives of patients worldwide. Our portfolio of cell-free DNA based liquid biopsy tests are rooted in novel and proprietary methods developed at Stanford University. Our approach enables the earlier detection of smaller tumors, leading to more personalized and effective cancer treatment strategies for patients. We have deep expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and maintain a dynamic, fast-paced work environment with significant opportunities for high-impact contribution and rapid professional growth. Foresight Diagnostics is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

About the Role:

Senior Scientists in the Research Department at Foresight Diagnostics are responsible for spearheading design and development of research and regulated product studies to include focus areas of solid tumor and next generation products with support for follow up product validation. Senior Scientists must be creative, solutions-oriented, and professional with strong experience developing NGS assays in a regulated environment. Senior Scientists will work cross functionally, with departments such as clinical operations, bioinformatics, production, to create and optimize wet and dry laboratory processes, and to generate data and analyses to support performance claims. This position reports to the Director of Research.

Responsibilities 

• Generate and maintain meticulous and consistent documentation of all work performed, in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and Quality Systems requirements as appropriate.

• Rigorously adapt the scientific method and hypothesis testing to company priorities and the product development context.

  • Using deep technical knowledge of NGS chemistry, identify and initiate efforts to improve performance and efficiency, and reduce error in assay steps;

  • Oversee the design, planning, execution, and reporting of multiple studies supporting different stages of the product development life cycle;

  • Generate increasingly sophisticated data visualizations and statistical analyses from increasingly complex NGS data sets;

  • Understand the rationale and analytical approach for studies and draw conclusions and propose next steps based on evidence;

  • Concisely and effectively communicate study results with audience-specific tailoring and integration of Foresight’s values.

• Participate in cross-functional projects as a technical SME and clear communicator, working frequently with other departments to complete product life cycle deliverables:

  • Collaborate in building project timelines and defining deliverables;

  • Collaborate in technology transfer between work streams and product contexts;

  • Proactively communicate potential risks and issues;

  • Support others in troubleshooting technical issues and propose next steps;

  • Provide technical input and representation to support cross-functional deliverables such as risk assessments, publications, and regulatory submissions.

• Serve as a formal or informal technical mentor:

  • Train junior members on all aspects of core FDx assays, study design, data analysis, reporting, troubleshooting, and effective scientific communication;

  • Guide the day-to-day work of multiple team members as needed;

  • Lead teams to deliver projects on time and budget;

  • May operate as a reporting leader for junior team members.

• Design technology-driven processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and accelerate productivity of product development teams. 

Skills and Qualifications

• Required

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

  • Minimum 7 years of industry experience in regulated NGS assay development

  • Expertise in common molecular genetics techniques, especially library preparation and targeted enrichment for NGS

  • Expertise creating data visualizations, text, and/or presentations that clearly communicate complex scientific information and concepts for a broad audience

  • Willingness to regularly perform benchwork

  • Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues

  • High emotional intelligence and self-awareness

  • High attention to detail, time management, and risk

  • Evidence-driven, confident, and decisive cross-functional communication

  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment

• Preferred

  • Subject matter expertise in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and/or liquid biopsy

  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements for assays with different types of risk profiles and the importance of managing risk in product development

  • Understanding of cancer biology and clinical processes

  • Experience in the product development processes from feasibility to validation

  • Experience leading a technical team

  • Proficiency in R, Python, bash, or similar

Physical Requirements

• This is a site-required position.

• This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

• This position requires that the individual is able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers are required.

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, writing and reviewing documents, and pipetting small volumes of clear liquids.

This role is offering a salary between $123,000-138,000 and is eligible for equity offerings.

Foresight offers benefits including paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave (if applicable), alongside medical, dental, vision, life, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and a 401k with company match. 

The application deadline for this position is February 28, 2025

You will be working on interesting problems with extremely high impact. We promote the professional development of our employees and will encourage upward mobility within the company for high performing employees. Foresight Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.