R&D Scientist - Molecular Assay Development

R&D Scientist - Molecular Assay Development   R&D Scientist – Molecular Assay Development
Genepika is dedicated to advancing genetics-related research, engineering, and product development. Innovations in the field of molecular biology over recent decades have revolutionized the capabilities of genetic tools available to researchers. Applications such as gene editing and drug discovery have extensively explored the potential of nucleic acid-based technology for advancing healthcare. One promising application for genetic tools is the development of novel molecular diagnostic devices, significantly accelerated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The wide-spread authorizations of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms has demonstrated their importance in resource-scarce settings and in streamlining clinical services. Clinical data shows that early detection of viral infections via POC diagnostic can greatly improve treatment success rates, despite these devices having lower sensitivity and accuracy compared to traditional laboratory diagnostics. Although scaled manufacturing of complex POC diagnostic devices remains challenging, there is an opportunity to develop more scalable molecular platforms to increase public access to these technologies.
At Genepika, we believe it is crucial to improve the public reception and, more importantly, understanding of these molecular technologies and their capabilities. Therefore, we are committed to building a new generation of molecular diagnostic devices for consumer applications, bringing the benefits of rapid diagnostics to everyday life. We are seeking an R&D Scientist with extensive experience in developing molecular assays for diagnostic applications to join our founding team.

As an R&D Scientist, you will be responsible for developing molecular assays for portable diagnostic devices. The role will focus on running experiments to optimize assay performance to meet design objectives. Once completed, you will be working with other team members to integrate the assay onto a portable diagnostic device.

Required Qualifications
MSc with 1-2 years of relevant work experience (including academic institutions), or PhD with relevant thesis topics
Hands-on experience with diagnostic assay development and optimization.

Experience with both antigen-based diagnostic assays as well as DNA/RNA-based molecular assays; ideal candidates should have worked on projects developing both types of assays for diagnostic applications
Able to design and conduct experiments to meet development objectives with minimal supervision
Thorough understanding of fundamentals behind antigen-binding kinetic, competitive-binding assays, and various nucleic acid amplification methods
Understanding of chemistry behind different modalities for diagnostic signal output such as colorimetric or fluorescence
Have previous experience working with complex sample matrices and sample processing techniques
Have previous experience creating and testing custom formulations for different sample buffers
Demonstrated excellence in data analysis and research communication through academic publication record and conference presentations

Preferred Qualifications
Previous industrial experience developing diagnostic assays
Working knowledge of industrial-scale antibody and nucleic acid production
Working knowledge of microfluidic principles and lateral flow devices
Familiar with laboratory equipment calibration
Familiar with regulatory requirements of diagnostic devices
Familiar with ISO
13485 standards
Other Requirements
This is an in-person position; candidate must be able to travel to lab location
Must be able to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a startup environment

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