Associate Scientist, R&D

TL;DR

Associate Scientist, R&D (Molecular Assays): Designing, optimizing, and validating molecular assays for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) with an accent on high-throughput liquid handling automation and data-driven troubleshooting. Focus on translating experimental results into scalable clinical protocols through rigorous documentation, design control studies, and regulated-lab execution.

Location: Austin, TX

Salary: $84,000 - $105,000 USD

Company

hirify.global develops cell-free DNA testing for oncology, women’s health, and organ health.

What you will do

• Design, plan, and execute complex laboratory experiments to advance non-invasive prenatal test development.
• Analyze experimental data using advanced analytical tools to generate insights and troubleshoot lab processes.
• Own and document technical workflows, summarizing findings in research reports and lab presentations.
• Partner with Clinical Laboratory Operations (CLIA), Quality Assurance (QA), and Automation Engineering to meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Write SOPs and technical documentation to transfer protocols to manufacturing and operations teams.
• Train junior team members and operator teams on newly developed protocols.

Requirements

• BA/BS with 6+ years of experience OR MS with 3+ years of experience in assay development and automation in life sciences.
• Proven experience developing, optimizing, and validating manual and automated protocols.
• Strong knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies.
• Hands-on experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays using liquid handler robotics.
• Experience designing and executing formal design control studies (stability, guard banding, reproducibility, repeatability, validation).
• Experience in a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, CAP, or FDA).

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans for eligible employees and dependents.
• 401k benefits, commuter benefits, pregnancy and baby bonding leave, and an employee referral program.
• Free testing for employees and immediate family members, plus fertility care benefits.
• Opportunity to work in a global, cross-functional environment focused on improving patient care.