Senior Development Scientist I

As a Senior Development Scientist I at Freenome, your main responsibilities include developing and optimizing NGS assays, collaborating with various departments to transfer technologies, and mentoring junior scientists. You'll lead the tech transfer of prototype assays into high-throughput systems while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

To be a successful candidate for the Senior Development Scientist I position at Freenome, you should have a Ph.D. with at least 6 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12 years in molecular biology or a related field. Hands-on experience in NGS assay development and familiarity with scientific programming languages like Python or R are essential.

Experience working in a regulated lab environment such as CLIA or IVD development is highly beneficial for the Senior Development Scientist I role at Freenome. Additionally, having a background in tech transfer from Research to Development can set you apart as a candidate.

The Senior Development Scientist I at Freenome will collaborate extensively with teams such as Molecular Research, Computational Science, and Quality Control. This collaboration is crucial in developing and transferring NGS assays and ensuring alignment with company goals and priorities.

Freenome fosters a high-performing culture rooted in respect and cross-collaboration. As a Senior Development Scientist I, you'll be part of a mission-driven community where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every team member is motivated to make a positive impact on cancer diagnostics.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for cancer research and early detection methods. Highlight how Freenome's mission resonates with your career goals and values, demonstrating your alignment with the company's objectives.

Provide specific examples of NGS assays you've developed, detailing your role in the process. Include challenges you faced and how you overcame them to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Explain your approach to prioritization, such as using a matrix system or agile methodologies. Illustrate how understanding project goals helps you make informed decisions about task prioritization while adhering to timelines.

Discuss systematic troubleshooting approaches, such as root cause analysis. Illustrate with examples of past experiences where you identified and resolved issues effectively, emphasizing your analytical skills.

Detail your processes for maintaining accurate and thorough records. You might discuss time management strategies for documentation and the importance of structured protocols in ensuring compliance.

Share a specific project experience, focusing on both successes and challenges. Highlight your leadership skills, your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, and how you navigated obstacles.

Mention specific programming languages like Python or R and provide examples of how you've utilized them in bioinformatics analyses or automating processes related to assay development.

Discuss your strategies for staying informed, such as attending conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, and participating in webinars. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Provide insights into current trends, discussing advancements in precision medicine, liquid biopsy technologies, and the role of AI in diagnostics. This displays your knowledge of the industry and its direction.

Describe your mentorship approach, emphasizing patience, sharing personal experiences, and encouraging critical thinking. Highlight your ability to create a supportive environment that fosters learning and confidence.