Clinical Laboratory Scientist I, Genomics

Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company developing tests to detect cancer using a standard blood draw. To do this, Freenome uses a multiomics platform that combines tumor and non-tumor signals with machine learning to find cancer in its earliest, most-treatable stages. 

Cancer is relentless. This is why Freenome is building the clinical, economic, and operational evidence to drive cancer screening and save lives. Our first screening test is for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas, and it’s just the beginning. 

Founded in 2014, Freenome has ~500 employees and more than $1.1B in funding from key investors, such as the American Cancer Society, Andreessen Horowitz, Anthem Blue Cross, Bain Capital, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, DCVC, Fidelity, Google Ventures, Kaiser Permanente, Novartis, Perceptive Advisors, RA Capital, Roche, Sands Capital, T. Rowe Price, and Verily.  

At Freenome, we aim to impact patients by empowering everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. This, together with our high-performing culture of respect and cross-collaboration, is what motivates us to make every day count. 

Become a Freenomer

Do you have what it takes to be a Freenomer? A “Freenomer” is a determined, mission-driven, results-oriented employee fueled by the opportunity to change the landscape of cancer and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Freenomers bring their diverse experience, expertise, and personal perspective to solve problems and push to achieve what’s possible, one breakthrough at a time.

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, we are seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist II (CLS II) who will perform high-complexity laboratory testing on study specimens, performing quality control and quality assurance procedures, and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laboratory requirements. The work requires keeping meticulous and organized records; excellent attention to detail; and the ability to flexibly prioritize multiple tasks and schedules, analysis, and results.  The CLS II will be involved with training, troubleshooting, leading projects, meeting project deliverables, and understanding and implementing laboratory goals.  The CLS II must also demonstrate excellent communication skills, proactively communicating team goals and priorities clearly, openly and objectively, and communicating changes, issues and challenges in all directions of the organization.

The role reports to the Director, Laboratory Operations - NGS Clinical Lab.

Working Hours:

The standard hours of this position are 9:00am-5:30pm. The working hours are subject to change to support special projects. Flexibility to support these projects is required for this role.  Sufficient notice will be provided.  Shift examples are AM and PM: AM (7:00am-3:30pm) and PM (2:00pm-10:30pm). The AM and PM shifts will rotate through the team as needed and projects can last up to 9 months.

Current anticipated project to occur beginning in summer 2023 and in this case, lasting approximately 5-6 months in duration.

What you’ll do:

• Perform high-complexity laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
• Collaborate with the Development Team and the Automation Team to lead and to execute assay improvement experiments, new assay configurations, and validations
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and document routine preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment according to the laboratory’s SOPs for machines and devices including, but not limited to, the following: centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pipettors, incubators, NovaSeq units, Flexmap units, Blue® Washers, Bravo units, Hamilton units, and work cells, as needed
• Review, interpret, and report study results in the company’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) as assigned
• Independently identify and troubleshoot high-complexity assay problems that adversely affect the test performance
• Perform, review, and document laboratory quality control procedures
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications
• Report all quality issues and/or safety concerns to the laboratory supervisor or safety officer
• Train existing laboratory personnel in new procedures and train new laboratory personnel
• Prepare reagents required for testing
• Perform and document reagent qualification per the approved protocols
• Provide direct supervision of the work of unlicensed laboratory personnel during the analytical phase of testing
• Write and review procedures, documents, and forms
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and non-laboratory personnel
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned
• Lead the introduction of assay improvements, new assay configurations, and validation
• If necessary, act as a team leader when assigned to provide assistance to the laboratory supervisors and leads, including but not limited to:
• Assist in administrative duties, including but not limited to the review of documents and forms
• Take charge of shift communication if supervisors and leads are not present
• Assist supervisors with coaching CLSs and laboratory associates, including but not limited to proving guidance and constructive feedback
• Provide issue updates to supervisors and leads
• Assist in sample and process troubleshooting
• Monitor data and process status as needed

Must haves:

• Valid California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license (Generalist preferred, CGMBS accepted)
• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laboratory regulations
• At least 2 years of Clinical Laboratory experience or equivalent
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner
• Ability to analyze and problem solve complex issues that may impact test performance

Nice to haves:

• Experience managing clinical laboratory personnel preferred
• Laboratory testing experience within the last five years preferred
• High volume laboratory experience preferred
• Experience in molecular biology techniques preferred
• Strong automation and computing skills
• Experience working with laboratory automation such as Hamilton or Bravo liquid handlers

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our hourly rate for new hires is $53.00 to $67.00. 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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