Development Scientist

Development Scientist - US (1 Year Contract) at Lucence

Lucence is a pioneering precision oncology company with a bold vision: a world where cancer is defeated through early detection and timely treatment. Our cutting-edge liquid biopsy tests use advanced molecular profiling to guide personalized cancer therapies, transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated. At Lucence, we are shaping the future of precision medicine by capturing both genetic and cellular data from a single blood draw, bringing us closer to our mission of overcoming cancer.

As a Development Scientist at Lucence, you will play a vital role in developing and implementing clinical assays to advance cancer care.

[Key Responsibilities]

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to develop new clinical assays.
• Plan and lead assay validation studies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during assay development.
• Drive the automation of novel assays.
• Maintain accurate and organized experimental records.
• Prepare detailed protocols and validation reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Train staff and facilitate assay transfer from R&D to clinical operations.

To be a good fit for this role, you would have:

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genomics, or related field.
• A proven track record of quick learning.
• Strong background in molecular biology, including PCR, RT-PCR, genotyping and NGS.
• At least 2 years of working experience in the development of clinical assays, with significant hands‑on expertise in troubleshooting, optimizing, and validating molecular assays.
• Good understanding of the regulatory and quality requirements of clinical diagnostics.
• Strong self‑motivation, resilience, adaptability, and a keen interest in learning.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

The following would be advantageous, but not required:

• A deep understanding and knowledge of oncology and/or genomics.
• Proficiency in R or Python.
• Fluency in variant annotation and interpretation and use of genome databases such as COSMIC, Clin Var, Varsome, Ensembl, and OncoKB.
• Ability to interpret genomic data in patient- and treatment-specific contexts.

Specific title and responsibilities may be calibrated to match a given candidate’s experience. This is a one year on-site term contract in our Palo Alto Office.