Senior Research Scientist, Assay Development

MiRXES is a Singapore-headquartered molecular diagnostic company with R&D, manufacturing, and clinical lab operations in Singapore, USA, Japan, and China. We specialize in microRNA technologies and the development, manufacturing, and provision of diagnostic test kits and clinical services. Our mission is to enable early disease detection and provide insights for better patient care by harnessing the power of microRNA and other circulating nucleic acid biomarkers to augment traditional testing. Our vision is to be the world’s leading developer and provider of accurate, actionable, and affordable microRNA-powered diagnostic tests.

MiRXES Lab is the R&D arm of MiRXES, comprising Data Science, Clinical Development, Product Development and Assay Technology Development. The Assay Technology Development group is responsible for innovating on existing assay platforms as well as creating/evaluating and prototyping new assay platforms as necessary.

**Job Summary**

The Senior Assay Development Scientist will spearhead at least one project related directly to a pipeline diagnostic product or project area. The scientist will lead the design, optimization and preliminary validation work resulting in a prototype proposal for further product development. The scientist will also investigate and implement relevant technologies from either published or commercial sources in the service of commercially relevant projects. In the course of work, the scientist may create new intellectual property in the form of technology disclosures, patents, or publications.

The Senior Assay Development Scientist will report to Director, Assay Development. The Senior Scientist may also have direct reports in the form of one or more Research Officers or Scientists.

**Roles and Responsibilities**
- Lead development and optimization of clinical diagnostic tests based on molecular technology e.g. RT-PCR, dPCR, isothermal amplification, NGS (~40-80% wet lab time depending on project phase)
- Lead the exploration new technologies to create new diagnostics/assays, which meet/exceed current clinical requirements on diagnostic tests or improve on existing methods
- Design, plan and execute projects and experiments independently as well as coordinate one or more research teams that may comprise scientists and/or research officers, solve problems through technical knowledge, design control and awareness of basic regulatory issues
- Analyze, interpret, summarize, and proactively communicate findings in a clear and succinate manner to team members and leadership, and archive experimental results according to R&D guidelines
- Model good scientific practice and actively mentor junior team members. Train junior team members in experimental design, troubleshooting and new technologies
- Assist in building the Assay Technology Development team’s technical depth and cohesiveness

**Desired Skills and Competencies**
- PhD / Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or relevant discipline with a minimum of 4 years post-doctoral or industry experience. Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant work experience and strong evidence of at least 3 years of independent research/development work may be considered
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in molecular biology research and/or development inclusive of postgraduate training
- At least 2 years of experience in assay design and development in oncology/early cancer detection is preferred. Familiarity with regulatory/quality assurance processes is an advantage
- A strong background of molecular assay development, in particular demonstrated ability to design assays on technologies such as NGS, DNA methylation analysis, (RT)-qPCR, dPCR or other relevant technologies
- Fluency in other detection modalities, e.g. protein analysis, extracellular vesicles related to liquid biopsy will be an added advantage
- Ability to work independently and flexibility to lead or be part of a team
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, especially on scientific concepts and about experimental design and results
- Ability to model working well in a shared workspace with common resources (applies to both office and laboratory)
- Experience in a leadership role a plus
- Please send a non-confidential slide deck showcasing your relevant experience prior to the first interview (20 slides max)._