Senior Scientist, Research

Position Overview

The Senior Scientist, Research, with limited guidance from more experienced scientists, works individually and in collaboration with others on one or more projects which are moderate to complex in scope. This position leads in the planning of projects and experiments and is often the technical lead responsible for the successful execution of the project. This position involves independently making detailed observations, analyzing data, interpreting results, and providing insights into the next steps of the project. Working in a team setting, the Senior Scientist, Research will be involved in early research and discovery projects, serving as a technical lead or a subject matter expert in translating research ideas and concepts into the product development pipeline. This position provides leadership to a team of research associates and/or junior scientists by defining clear and realistic goals, clearing barriers to success, and understanding of skills and tasks associated with successful execution. This person is also responsible for supporting a collaborative environment that promotes positive teamwork where all members are working for the good of Exact Sciences.

Essential Duties

include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide leadership to a team of junior research associates and scientists.
• Independently develop, plan, and conduct advanced research experiments, identify problems and discrepancies, analyze results, and identify and address trends in study data.
• Analyze research/experimental data, interpret the results, and provide insights into the next steps.
• Utilize and apply methods or technologies effectively and provide ideas for new techniques, when appropriate.
• Provide technical input and develop research plans, experimental outlines, and design.
• Prepare and provide information and data for scientific abstracts, industry conferences, project meetings, or publication.
• Generate, document, and communicate development plans for critical aspects of a project.
• Prepare and approve detailed technical procedures, protocols, and reports.
• Evaluate impact of nonconforming data to product or process.
• Maintain lab notebook in a clear, complete, and consistent manner, following all legal, ISO, and QSR requirements.
• Prepare reports and documentation providing the analysis or summarization of experimental results, outcomes, and next steps to supervisor, technical teams/groups, or project teams.
• Present experimental results and defend scientific ideas and findings at data meetings, group meetings, project team meetings, and/or departmental meetings, and lead meetings as subject matter expert.
• Work on problems that are diverse and complex in scope in which analysis of data requires in-depth evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Exercise judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions.
• Work on individual assignments and with project team members and direct reports, as appropriate, to meet department and project objectives.
• Work within project timeframes with successful outcomes on multiple projects and key responsibilities.
• Act as technical leader for direct reports, as well as for one or more projects that are moderate to complex in scope.
• Act as subject matter expert in core team and/or cross-functional meetings.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining and interpreting results; analyze data and present findings in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Supervise direct reports; including, but not limited to, organize, and prioritize work, write/conduct performance reviews, train/develop, and manage work performance.
• Communicate goals clearly to employees to ensure understanding and success in achieving them.
• Motivate and inspire employees to do their best work through coaching.
• Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives.
• Promote an open, collaborative environment built on trust to foster positive teamwork.
• Assist in planning and recommendation of activities that account for prioritization of organizational and department goals.
• Ability to train and mentor research associates.
• Ability to organize, present, and convey moderate problems or issues.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with all levels of the organization; including team members, senior R&D leaders, project team members (core and extended), partners, and other stakeholders.
• Create high quality presentations that effectively communicate and tie into a cohesive story the experimental data and results.
• Apply strength in performing complex analyses and ability to present data and recommendations to a variety of audiences throughout an organization.
• Ability to effectively work on several varied projects at one time, with frequent changing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills with strong attention to detail.
• Exercise technical proficiency, scientific creativity and rigor, and independent thought when challenging and debating scientific ideas.
• Apply sound technical ability and knowledge.
• Apply experimental knowledge and outcomes to new and valuable problems; ability to make predictions based on a deep understanding of the fundamental nature of the inputs into a decision or action.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, and pipettes for extended periods of time.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Ability and means to travel between Exact Sciences locations.
• Ability to travel 5% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in life sciences, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical/physical/biological science, or field related to the essential duties of the position; or Master’s degree in life sciences, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical/physical/biological science, or field related to the essential duties of the position and 4 years of related experience in lieu of a Ph.D.; or Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical/physical/biological science, or field related to the essential duties of the position and 6 years of related experience in lieu of Ph.D.
• 3+ years of industry or academia experience in biology and/or chemistry.
• 2+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology and/or biochemical techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of molecular biology, biochemistry, next-generation sequencing (NGS), genomics, and/or protein research.
• Working knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods in biology/genetics; including, but not limited to, statistical software, such as JMP.
• Strong understanding of GMP, ISO, and Quality Systems.
• Familiarity with product/assay research, design, or development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office to include Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
• 1+ years of experience leading or directing people and/or project teams.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environment, preferably in a GMP and/or ISO environment.
• Previous industry experience in product development or technical support.
• Experience in PCR and molecular biology.
• Experience with genomic databases and software.
• Previous experience working in a molecular diagnostics/clinical laboratory setting.
• Experience in protein research.
• Background containing a substantial amount of laboratory work including troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DNA/RNA purification.

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Salary Range:

$109,000.00 - $185,000.00The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - WI - Madison on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.