Associate Research Scientist II, R&D

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At Exact Sciences, we're helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

The Associate Research Scientist II, with some guidance from more experienced scientists, works on projects which are moderate to complex in scope. The Associate Research Scientist II participates in planning of projects and experiments and is responsible for the execution of experiments and analysis of data. Working in a team setting, the Associate Research Scientist II will primarily be involved in Research and Development projects actively participating in translating research ideas and concepts into the product development pipeline towards development of diagnostic assay products.

This role will directly support late stage Multi Cancer Early Detection (MCED) product development by executing studies such as stability testing, design verification and validation, on market performance improvements, and investigations related to product performance or manufacturing issues. The individual will be responsible for learning and applying a range of molecular biology techniques across pre-analytical workflows (including blood processing and nucleic acid extraction), as well as qPCR, protein-based, and NGS based methods.

Success in this position requires the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, milestone‑driven product development environment and to collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners. This work contributes directly to the development and continuous improvement of diagnostics within our early cancer detection program, which operates under aggressive timelines and strict quality expectations.

include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct bench level experiments within a specific product or technology area and identifies problems and discrepancies.
• With some guidance, plan and analyze results of bench level experiments within a specific product or technology area.
• Operate scientific instrumentation related to performance of duties and notify appropriate personnel of any problems.
• Effectively utilize and apply methods or technologies and provide ideas for new techniques, when appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of technological industry developments that could assist in completion of an assignment or aid in the development of new processes or procedures.
• Provide technical input and participates in decisions affecting project planning and experimental design.
• Prepare and provide information and generate data for scientific abstracts/conferences/project meetings/publications.
• Follow research plans and experimental outlines to write experimental protocols and perform laboratory experiments.
• Maintain lab notebook in a complete and consistent manner, following all legal, ISO, and QSR requirements, as well as keeping clear and complete.
• Prepare reports and documentation providing the analysis or summarization of experimental results and outcomes to supervisor, technical teams/groups, or project teams.
• Present experimental results, scientific ideas and findings, information, and updates at project or departmental meetings.
• Present clear project summaries and outcomes in written and verbal formats to supervisor and other members of the scientific team.
• Work on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Work on individual assignments and with project team members, as appropriate, to meet department and project objectives.
• Work within project time frames that are established collaboratively by team members.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement to interpret results, analyze data, and present findings in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Ability to train and mentor junior level research associates.
• Ability to organize, present, and convey moderate problems or issues.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisor and group members.
• Exce…