Process Engineering Associate II (Molecular Diagnostics)

TL;DR

Process Engineering Associate II (Molecular Diagnostics): Driving process improvement and development to enhance clinical assay performance with an accent on technology transfer and root cause analysis. Focus on optimizing high-throughput CLIA lab workflows and implementing automated laboratory procedures for prenatal and cancer diagnostics.

Location: Onsite in Union City, CA; must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX in summer 2027

Salary: $75,029 – $104,322

Company

A next-generation molecular diagnostics company utilizing revolutionary QCT molecular counting technology to provide accurate prenatal and cancer diagnostic tests.

What you will do

• Design and analyze wet lab experiments to improve process efficiency and assay reliability.
• Perform complex manual and automated laboratory procedures, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Conduct assay validation studies to qualify new and improved assays for clinical use across multiple sites.
• Build data analysis and software tools to monitor process health and accelerate troubleshooting.
• Support technology transfer to the new Austin, TX CLIA lab to bring the site online.
• Evaluate new molecular biology techniques and technologies to enhance assay performance.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Physics.
• At least 1 year of hands-on lab research experience in core molecular biology techniques.
• Exceptional analytical reasoning and troubleshooting skills with experience in data analysis.
• Strong mathematical and statistical aptitude with a process- and systems-level mindset.
• Willingness to relocate from Union City, CA to Austin, TX in summer 2027.

Nice to have

• Start-up experience.
• Previous automation or clinical laboratory experience.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and library preparation.
• Experience in a cell-free DNA setting.
• Prior experience with technology transfer or assay validation.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% paid employee premiums for select medical plans.
• Generous Family Bonding Leave (16 weeks, paid at 100%).
• Retirement savings program with a 4% company match.
• Free daily on-site lunches and access to a state-of-the-art gym and restaurant.
• Free UNITY Complete NIPT testing for employees and spouses.