Research Associate Ii Jobs

About DermTech

At DermTech, we believe there's a better way to assess skin, and we're using technology, innovation, and data to fundamentally change and enhance precision dermatology. We have developed technology that assesses skin at the RNA and DNA level, so that serious conditions, such as skin cancer, can be detected far earlier, reduce the need for surgery, enable optimized treatment plans, and customize skincare plans to an individual's unique skin molecular makeup. We call this practice “precision dermatology” and we believe it is truly a new era in disease detection. A method that is not just better, but different. One centered around our patented methods, which begins with using our Smart StickerTM to collect tissue from the skin's surface easily, accurately, and painlessly, and follows with our state-of-the-art laboratory, which analyzes that tissue at the genomic level using a proprietary gene analysis system. By pushing the boundaries in precision dermatology and in areas like cancer detection, we truly believe our technology can change the world. We are seeking team members with the vision, passion, and creativity to do the same.

General Description

DermTech is seeking an experienced Research Associate II, to join our research and development team in San Diego, California. The successful candidate will collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary team to improve our understanding of skin diseases and the mechanisms driving disease pathogenesis by applying state-of-the-art genomic and/or proteomic approaches to biomarker research, discovery, and validation. Specifically, the candidate will lead the investigation and analysis of proteomic and genomic material collected with our innovative smart sticker to evaluate the feasibility of new product concepts and to improve on and scale our current offerings. The candidate will integrate molecular biology techniques to drive the generation of internal data in skin cancers and inflammatory skin diseases in order to develop personalized medicine strategies. The position offers a unique opportunity for a talented scientist to work in a dynamic and innovative environment at the interface of precision and personalized dermatology.

Essential Functions

• Transfer new molecular assays, to support precision and personalized dermatology, including RT-qPCR, Sanger sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) into the Clinical Operations laboratory.
• Contribute to the presentation and reporting of methods, results, and conclusions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to drive data analysis, integration, and application across various ‘omics platforms.
• Liaise with the Research and Development team to communicate Clinical Operations Laboratory requirements during the assay development process.
• Plan and execute Clinical Validation experiments, including specimen selection, accuracy, precision and LOD determination and LIS integration.
• Contribute to duties related to maintenance and operations of R&D laboratories.
• Manage samples from experiments, collaborations, and clinical trials.
• Prepare Clinical Validation documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures, Analytical and Clinical Validation Plans and Validation Reports for processes transferred from the Research and Development laboratory prior to implementation in the Clinical Operations Laboratory.
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout the company to improve success metrics for patient sample processing.
• Work effectively in cross-functional project teams, in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Optimize laboratory processes transferred from Research and Development to the CAP/CLIA regulated laboratory, ensuring accuracy and precision and compliance with all CAP/CLIA regulations.
• Identify areas for process improvement and apply these ideas in the laboratory to achieve superior efficiency and quality for all assays provided at DermTech.
• Design, execute and analyze studies that will support integrating state-of-the-art molecular approaches and the smart sticker platform into the Clinical Operations laboratory.

Qualifications

• Creative mindset with strong decision-making and troubleshooting skills.
• Highly organized with a structured approach to process improvement and technology transfer.
• BA/BS and 3- 5 years of industry experience in molecular biology, genetics, or related discipline, or MS and 0-2 years of industry experience..
• Ability to multi-task and adjust plans quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and/or FDA regulations and Quality Systems.
• BA/BS degree in biological science is required; an advanced degree is preferred
• Motivated, innovative, and strong team player able to function with a high degree of independence.
• Skilled in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics with a strong preference for NGS experience. Techniques such as qPCR, automated nucleic acid extractions, RNAseq, and complex data analysis are highly desirable.
• Desire and ability to learn new skills and a willingness to undertake training courses for continued professional development.
• Collaborative attitude with the ability to communicate with individuals across the spectrum of scientific knowledge.
• Good knowledge in the use of clinical data sets and public databases.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 - $85,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. DermTech is a multi-state employer and this range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Additional Information

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us at talent@ dermtech.com.

DermTech is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at DermTech via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of DermTech. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by DermTech as a result of the referral or through other means.