Job Description

Help us change lives

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 Research Associate I, with guidance from more experienced scientists, , is responsible for day-to-day execution of bench experiments and analysis of data. Working in a team setting, the Associate Research Scientist I will primarily be involved in Research and Development projects assisting in translating research ideas and concepts into the product development pipeline towards development of diagnostic assay products.

This position will be primarily responsible for creating clinical research datasets using our proprietary DNA sequencing methodologies for cancer detection, in order to support related products. The position may also contribute to development and optimization and/or characterization of all aspects of clinical sample testing, e.g. specimen processing, nucleic acid isolation, library construction, target enrichment, and target detection workflows.

Essential Duties

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct bench level experiments within a specific product or technology area.
• Generate data; accurately record and analyze results of bench level experiments within a specific product or technology area.
• Operate scientific instrumentation related to performance of duties and notifies appropriate personnel of any problems.
• Effectively utilize and apply established methods or technologies.
• 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 experimental methods and results.
• Communicate experimental results to supervisor or other scientists.
• Possess potential for technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thought.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Work with project team members on assignments to meet department and project objectives.
• Ability to complete assignments in expected time frames.
• Ability to work in a BSL-2 environment following Biosafety guidelines.
• Ability to communicate project status to project leader.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within team and department.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
• Ability to lift to 20 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, pipettes for extended periods of time.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Ability and means to travel between Exact Sciences locations.
• Ability to travel 5% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemical/Physical/Biological Science, or related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full time or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science or pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction, quantification, and physical analysis (e.g. electrophoresis or spectrophotometry).
• Experience using PCR, qPCR, or ddPCR for sample analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments.
• Hands on experience with DNA library construction and target enrichment for analysis on Next Generation Sequencing platforms a plus.

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Salary Range:

$72,000 - $108,000

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - CA - San Diego on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.