The Scientist II, Advanced Research works within a small early research team developing next generation technologies for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients using circulating tumor DNA.
The primary objective of this role is to advance a novel MRD detection method from early research through optimization to a clear assessment of technical viability.
This is a hands‐on laboratory role.
It requires strong practical next generation sequencing skills with an emphasis on novel library preparation methods, rigorous experimental design, and the ability to work closely with computational team members, translating method requirements into analytical specifications and jointly troubleshooting discrepancies between wet lab and computational results.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method
Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows
Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions
Diagnose and resolve experimental problems, distinguishing true method limitations from technical artifact, contamination, or workflow error; elevate appropriately and in a timely manner
Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues, contributing to the definition of analytical requirements for the method
Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous experimental records to a standard suitable for regulatory and patent purposes
Present data,



interpretations and recommendations clearly to the research team and to senior leadership, including honest assessment of negative or ambiguous results
Work with internal and external teams to identify and obtain the contrived or clinical samples required for project completion
Additional Responsibilities (may be assigned):
Work with the internal IP team to document and support the filing of contributions to novel elements of the method
Contribute to the group's internal peer review of experimental design and data interpretation
Attend additional training or educational opportunities as requested
Position Objectives
Achieves working competency in the core method workflows within the handover period
Delivers a clear, evidence‐based assessment of the method's technical viability
Reports results accurately and with limited error, including results that do not support the working hypothesis
Communicates effectively with laboratory, computational and leadership colleagues
Adheres to NeoGenomics core values, safety, compliance, and Company policies and procedures
Education
Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field, ideally with a focus on cancer or sequencing methodology




Equivalent experience will be considered: M.S. with 10 or more years, or B.S. with 14 or more years of relevant laboratory experience
Experience
2 or more years of postdoctoral or industry laboratory experience beyond Ph.D., in a relevant field
Qualification Requirements
Hands‐on next generation sequencing library preparation experience is essential
Experience with cell‐free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred
Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred
Strong practical laboratory skills, particularly in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology
Working knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and to identify the likely source of an unexpected result
Experience handling human clinical samples, with awareness of the associated consent and governance requirements
Genuine interest in technical invention and methodological depth
Comfortable working on a project where the outcome is genuinely uncertain and where a well‐evidenced negative result is a valid deliverable
Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to present data honestly and clearly to non‐specialist audiences
Ability to work independently and within a small team-oriented team
Must be able to work in a laboratory environment and comply with safety policies and standards outlined in the Safety Manual
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📌 Scientist Ii, Advanced Research (Western Australia)
🏢 ONE NUCLEUS
📍 Western Australia