Staff Scientist, Assay R&D

Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.

We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.

GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.

For more information, please visit

The Staff Scientist is an experienced research professional who provides scientific leadership across multiple projects and contributes to strategic research objectives. This role involves designing and executing complex experiments, developing novel methodologies, and applying advanced scientific expertise to solve challenging problems in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines. The Staff Scientist mentors junior scientists, serves as a subject matter expert, and plays a critical role in shaping project direction and driving innovation.

• Lead the design and execution of complex experiments to advance research and development objectives.
• Develop and implement novel experimental methods, technologies, and workflows.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data, providing recommendations that influence project and program decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into larger organizational strategies.
• Author technical reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Mentor and coach junior scientists and technical staff, fostering development and scientific excellence.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and technical challenges.
• Monitor scientific trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead complex experimental programs and deliver impactful scientific results.
• Strong track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or project leadership.
• Proficiency with advanced laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis tools.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated level of knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position's complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance. Minimal applicable standards for this position include:
  • GMP quality management systems (e.g. ISO 13485)
  • Clinical laboratory regulations (e.g. CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189)
  • Operations within the regulated medical device environment (e.g. IVDD, IVDR, FDA 21 CFR 800 series, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)
  • Note:
    
    these requirements do not apply for research positions.

• Previous biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, or other industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with next‑generation sequencing (NGS), including library preparation, sequencing workflows, assay development, or sequencing data analysis, is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to develop scientific talent.
• Recognized expertise in relevant scientific fields with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to design…