Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company on a mission since 2014 to create tools that empower everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. 

To achieve this mission, Freenome is developing next-generation blood tests to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages using our multiomics platform and machine learning techniques. Our first blood test will detect early-stage colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas.

To fight the war on cancer, Freenome has raised more than $1.1B from leading investors including a16z, GV (formerly Google Ventures), T. Rowe Price, BainCapital, Perceptive Advisors, RA Capital Management, Roche, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, and the American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge Ventures.

Are you ready for the fight? A ‘Freenomer’ is a mission-driven employee who is fueled by the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, who thrive in a culture of respect and cross collaboration, and whose work makes a significant impact on the company and their career. Freenomers are determined, patient-centric, and outcomes-driven. We build teams around divergent expertise, allowing us to solve problems and ascertain opportunities in unique ways. We are dedicated to advancing healthcare, one breakthrough at a time.

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, you will help develop the assay technologies used to analyze patient samples and contribute to our mission of early detection and intervention in human disease. As a Development Scientist focused on proteomics, you will provide expertise in the biology of protein biomarkers, method development, and analysis. You will contribute to developing, optimizing, and validating clinical-grade assays to accurately and reproducibly measure proteins from blood. You will work closely with engineers to automate the assays and with clinical staff to transfer technologies into a regulated, high-throughput environment. You will use your analytical and programming abilities to identify ways to rapidly iterate and improve on existing methods, and you will work closely with computational biologists to evaluate technologies that can enhance our end-to-end test performance.

The role reports to the Manager & Staff Development Scientist. 

What you’ll do:

• Apply expert knowledge of protein biochemistry to develop quantitative, multiplex assays.
• Develop assays by converting manual prototypes into optimized, high-throughput validated assays.
• Analyze existing and development method data to identify workflow and protocol improvements.
• Lead from the bench by training and mentoring scientists while also performing your own experiments in order to facilitate rapid progress toward project goals.
• Collaborate with computational biologists and software engineers to build analysis pipelines and to integrate new molecular technologies into analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with clinical laboratory members to transition development protocols into production, including automation, validation experiments, and SOP development.

Must haves:

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in biochemistry, immunology, genetics, chemistry, or a related field with 1+ years of industry experience in protein-based assay development.
• Broad, expert-level knowledge of protein assays, including general protein biochemistry as well as specific optimizations for antibody-based methods (e.g. ELISAs, Western blots) and common analytical platforms.  
• Experience with multiplexed immunoassay development methods (e.g, Luminex, MSD) 
• Experience supporting Pre-Analytical Validation studies, Reagent QC, and Analytical Validation studies.
• Proven track record of establishing new methods that go beyond kitted assays.
• Ability to design for automated platforms in plate-based, low-volume formats and/or microfluidics and experience working with automated liquid handlers.
• Hands-on proficiency in managing technology transfer requirements, including guard-banding, stability studies, and in-process quality control.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, GLP/GCLP, IVD development).
• Clear communications skills and ability to work with team members in the same and adjacent disciplines.
• Understanding of immunology, cancer biology, and/or the biology of human plasma.
• Experience mentoring and training research associates and junior scientists

Nice to haves: 

• Immunoassay development experience for an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device or a lab developed test (LDT)
• Late stage product development experience for an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device  

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary for new hires is $114,750 - $175,000. 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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