Development Scientist - Pre-Analytical

Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company on a mission since 2014 to create tools that empower everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. 

To achieve this mission, Freenome is developing next-generation blood tests to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages using our multiomics platform and machine learning techniques. Our first blood test will detect early-stage colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas.

To fight the war on cancer, Freenome has raised more than $1.1B from leading investors including a16z, GV (formerly Google Ventures), T. Rowe Price, BainCapital, Perceptive Advisors, RA Capital Management, Roche, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, and the American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge Ventures. 

Are you ready for the fight? A ‘Freenomer’ is a mission-driven employee who is fueled by the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives, who thrive in a culture of respect and cross collaboration, and whose work makes a significant impact on the company and their career. Freenomers are determined, patient-centric, and outcomes-driven. We build teams around divergent expertise, allowing us to solve problems and ascertain opportunities in unique ways. We are dedicated to advancing healthcare, one breakthrough at a time

About this opportunity:

As a Development Scientist you will be responsible for characterizing the impact of a multitude of preanalytical variables on the performance of Freenome’s multiomic tests. You will also make significant contributions in Development studies focused on finalizing the test kit configuration for Freenome’s multiomics tests.  In addition to executing at the bench, you will be required to leverage insights from preanalytical studies that directly inform Freenome’s biomarker discovery studies and product development efforts. Finally, you will collaborate with the Clinical Development, Lab Operations, Biostatistics, and Computational Research teams to ensure that preanalytical considerations are represented in every aspect of Freenome’s research platform and product development process.

What you’ll do:

• Design and execute studies to evaluate the impact of preanalytical variables (including blood collection, sample shipping, and sample storage conditions) on sample integrity and analyte stability.
• Optimize sample collection, transportation, and processing workflows, including selecting blood collection devices, identifying shipping conditions, and developing fractionation protocols.
• Leverage technical expertise in Genomics & Proteomics technologies to assess the impact of preanalytical variables on Freenome’s multiomic tests
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate new sample collection, fractionation, and characterization technologies into preanalytical workflows.
• Partner with Regulatory and Computational Research teams to design and execute verification and validation studies required for regulatory clearance of specific blood collection device(s) to be used for Freenome’s multiomic test
• Work cross-functionally with Clinical Development Scientists, Clinical Operations, and Process Engineers to implement best sample handling practices in Freenome’s clinical studies.
• Work closely with the Project Management team to ensure timely delivery of preanalytical subsystem development deliverables.

Must haves:

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in biochemistry, protein chemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience working cross functionally in phase-gated Product Development projects and good understanding of design control elements.
• Extensive experience working with blood collection devices, especially those designed for robust stabilization of cell free DNA & proteins.
• Prior experience in designing and executing studies aimed at understanding analyte (DNA, RNA, proteins)stability in blood and/or plasma.
• Understanding of inherent variance in biological samples and its role in subsystem and system performance.
• Ability to perform basic data analysis, enabling experimental iteration independent of external support.
• Clear communications skills and ability to work with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.

Nice to haves:

• Hands-on experience working with analytical assays, including immunoassays, flow cytometry, Next Generation Sequencing workflows etc.
• Prior experience in working on development studies designed for regulatory submissions.
• Ability to design assays for automated platforms and experience working with liquid handlers.

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary/hourly rate for new hires is $127,500 - $160,000. You will also be eligible to receive pre-IPO equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits dependent on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ https://careers.freenome.com/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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