Research Associate

The Research Associate position at BillionToOne is exceptionally rare at the undergraduate or early-career level. At BillionToOne, you will do much more than simply run routine protocols. Your work will help shape the development of high-impact molecular diagnostic products that are actively changing patient outcomes in both oncology and prenatal medicine. This is your chance to contribute to building novel molecular tests that help patients from day one.

You will work alongside and be mentored by scientists with interdisciplinary expertise across molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and quantitative modeling. You will have the chance to use cutting-edge molecular techniques, next-generation sequencing, and robotic tools to move assays from research prototypes to commercially available products run at large scale on real patient samples in our clinical lab. Whether your ambition is to grow here at BillionToOne or ultimately pursue graduate studies, this position would be a solid foundation for your scientific career.

The Research Associate is an on-site position in our Menlo Park, CA office.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Strong statistical and quantitative skills: You think rigorously about data. You understand the difference between signal and noise, appreciate the importance of statistical power, and bring quantitative reasoning to every problem.
• Meticulous attention to experimental detail: You understand that the quality of an experiment determines what we can learn from it. You keep rigorous records, design careful controls, and take pride in work that others can rely on and build upon.
• Ambition to make a difference now: You aren’t here to punch the clock. You want to understand why things work, push the boundaries of what’s known, and do what it takes to see your contributions show up in products that help real patients.
• Excellent communication in a fast-paced, collaborative environment: We move quickly and we move together. You share findings clearly and proactively, ask questions early rather than late, and work seamlessly across scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to keep projects moving.

Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments and assays under the guidance of Senior Scientists
• Learn analytical and computational methodologies to analyze results under the guidance of Senior Scientists
• Present scientific findings both verbally at group meetings and via internal written reports
• Document experimental details and results
• Collaborate with other teams to implement lab and bioinformatic workflows
• Contribute positively to organizing and maintaining the R&D lab

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Bioengineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or related field
• 1–2 years of research experience (either during BS/MS or afterwards)
• Previous experience with standard molecular biology techniques (in particular, extensive experience with PCR, electrophoresis, DNA purifications)
• An ability to quickly learn mathematical, analytical, and experimental concepts
• High mathematical and statistical aptitude (e.g., you find the GRE math section to be extremely easy)
• Great attention to detail

Nice-To-Haves:

• Start-up experience
• Knowledge of medical genetics
• Experience in a cell-free DNA setting
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation
• Experience with computational analysis in R, Python, or other programming language

Benefits And Perks:

• Working alongside brilliant, kind, passionate and dedicated colleagues, in an empowering environment, toward a global vision, striving for a future in which transformative molecular diagnostics can help millions of patients
• Open, transparent culture that includes weekly Town Hall meetings
• The ability to indirectly or directly change the lives of hundreds of thousands patients
• Multiple medical benefit options; employee premiums paid 100% of select plans, dependents covered up to 80%
• Extremely generous Family Bonding Leave for eligible employees (16 weeks, paid at 100%)
• Supplemental fertility benefits coverage 
• Retirement savings program including a 4% Company match
• Increase paid time off with increased tenure
• Latest and greatest hardware (laptop, lab equipment, facilities)
• Daily on-site lunches provided from top eateries
• A variety of perks on campus (state of the art gym, restaurant)
• Free on-site EV charging (compatible with all EVs, including Tesla)

At BillionToOne, we are proud to offer a combination of a (1) base pay range (actual amount offered is based on experience and salary/equity options split that the candidate chooses), (2) generous equity options offering, (3) corporate bonus program, on top of (4) industry leading company benefits (free healthcare options, 401k match, very generous fully paid parental leave, etc.).

The base salary range for this role is $76,155 - $87,034. This position is eligible for an annual bonus and receives a new hire equity grant of up to $20,000 at grant value, vesting over four years, plus annual equity refresh grants equal in value to the new hire grant. Together, the total four-year value of base, target bonus, and equity is up to approximately $433,000. We also offer competitive medical and dental coverage and a 401(k) with company match.

BillionToOne is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.