Position Title: Scientist II
Work Location: Pleasanton, CA, 94588
Assignment Duration: 12 Months
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, normal business hours
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary:
The Scientist II will perform hands-on molecular laboratory work to support the design, optimization, and development of qPCR and digital PCR (dPCR) assays for our organization’s advanced molecular platforms. This role is classified as laboratory-based, requiring routine work with chemical reagents and human biological materials in a BSL-2 environment.

Key Responsibilities:
• Perform hands-on qPCR and digital PCR assay development, including primer/probe design, assay optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Execute experiments supporting feasibility, verification, and validation phases of molecular diagnostic assay development.
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction from human sample types (e.g., FFPE, plasma) using standard and automated workflows.
• Develop and optimize assay conditions using DOE approaches and analyze data using statistical software (e.g., R, JMP).
• Maintain compliant, accurate laboratory documentation in an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN).
• Prepare technical summaries, reports, and presentations for cross-functional project teams.
• Follow all our organization safety, quality, and compliance practices, including proper handling of biological materials.
• Author or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and study protocols as required.

Qualification & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 5+ years of relevant laboratory industry experience
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with qPCR assay development (required).
• Proficiency with digital PCR (dPCR) platforms (e.g., Bio-Rad, Qiagen).
• Extensive knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, quantification, and quality assessment.
• Experience interpreting complex datasets using statistical tools and DOE methods.
• Strong documentation and communication skills in a regulated R&D environment.
• Experience supporting oncology, infectious disease, or genomics-based assay development.
• Experience working under IVD design control, ISO 13485, or other regulated product development frameworks.
• Familiarity with automation systems, LIMS, ELN systems, or high-throughput workflows.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: The following reflect the physical and environmental expectations of this role:
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., reagent boxes, equipment).
• Manual dexterity required for pipetting and handling small laboratory components.
• Work involves exposure to chemical reagents and human biological samples in a BSL-2 environment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses must be worn as required.

Additional Information: These responsibilities support the role but are not essential functions:
• Participation in cross-functional meetings beyond defined project deliverables.
• Assisting with lab inventory, supply management, or general lab upkeep.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 60.00/hr.