Principal Scientist (Molecular Assays)

Location: Houston, TX, USA. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Salary: $110,700–$166,100 USD annually, plus eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus.

Company

hirify.global delivers scientific services to diverse biopharmaceutical clients through molecular assay development, validation, and laboratory support.

What you will do

• Design, implement, troubleshoot, qualify, and validate molecular assays including ddPCR, qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing, Nanostring, and FISH.
• Develop experimental plans, timelines, SOPs, technical reports, client communications, proposals, and approved conference or journal materials.
• Ensure assay execution meets client requirements and applicable GLP, CAP, CLIA, GxP, or ISO standards.
• Train and mentor scientists and technical staff in laboratory procedures, data analysis, presentation, and competency assessment.
• Serve as the technical expert for client calls, laboratory advances, quality, efficiency, scope control, and policy recommendations.
• Support laboratory scheduling and financial target management while maintaining safe laboratory practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field, such as Molecular Biology.
• At least 8 years of related full-time laboratory experience.
• Hands-on sequencing, ddPCR, and qPCR experience with strong molecular assay skills.
• Experience validating or qualifying assays to CAP, CLIA, GLP, or ISO guidelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, plus experience generating technical reports.
• Ability to see and differentiate colors across the full color spectrum.
• Ability to lift and carry 1–15 lbs., lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance, and frequently sit, grasp, and use right or left finger dexterity.
• Ability to work in cold freezer environments ranging from -20°C to -196°C.
• Ability to read, write, speak fluently, and comprehend English.
• Legal authorization to work in the country of employment without employer sponsorship.

Nice to have

• 10–15+ years of experience as a molecular laboratorian in a leadership role with direct reports.
• Experience supervising or mentoring scientists or technical personnel.
• Industrial experience or experience managing outside collaborations.
• Strong understanding of current GxP or CAP, CLIA, and ISO standards.
• Previous GLP, GCLP, or CLIA regulatory compliance experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Health insurance, retirement savings benefits, life insurance, and disability benefits.
• Parental leave and paid time off for sick leave and vacation.
• Discretionary annual bonus eligibility.
• Equal opportunity employment and reasonable accommodations during the application process.