NGS Assay Development Lead / Laboratory Supervisor

PERFORMANCE-BASED PROFILE | Genetic First / Envita

The opportunity

Scottsdale, Arizona • On Site, Full-time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Salary range: $115,000–$145,000.

Why this role exists

Genetic First seeks a technically exceptional, hands-on assay developer to personally build and improve NGS/RNA laboratory-developed test (LDT) workflows and contribute to bioinformatics integration. This is a bench-first scientific leadership opportunity combining direct technical ownership with collaboration, training and laboratory quality.

Business outcomes | Key Performance Objectives (KPOs)

Success will be demonstrated through measurable experimental progress, documented assay development, rigorous validation practices, effective troubleshooting and collaboration across laboratory and analytical teams.

1. Personally develop NGS/RNA assays and end-to-end wet-lab workflows
2. Build clinical-grade assay validation strategy and execute validation
3. Integrate and contribute technically to bioinformatics pipelines
4. Establish rigorous QC, reproducibility and technical troubleshooting
5. Build CAP/CLIA-quality documentation and qualification pathway
6. Transfer technical knowledge and train testing personnel
7. Deliver disciplined implementation and cross-functional decisions

30 / 60 / 90-day success milestones

Timing

Required evidence

• First 30 days: Assess available sequencing and molecular analysis platforms, instruments, reagents, specimen suitability and lab capabilities; identify risks, owners and resource dependencies.
• By 60 days: Establish preliminary specimen-to-analysis development workflows; demonstrate personal bench progress; develop initial pipeline interface map and QC measures.
• By 90 days: Demonstrate independent technical capability, credible implementation plan, measurable experimental progress, LDT validation plan, draft SOPs, QC procedures and validation protocols.
• Six months: Move from plans to execution: documented assay optimization, prioritized validation studies, reproducibility, deviation resolution and quality-system progress against approved milestones.
• Year one: Dependable, well-documented NGS program positioned for routine testing only after applicable validation/approvals; measurable KPI discipline and a foundation for subsequent assay development.

First year | definition of exceptional performance

Exceptional performance means personally delivering substantial assay-development work, reproducible and defensible analytical performance, validated workflow milestones, meaningful technical contributions to bioinformatics integration, appropriate readiness for authorized routine testing, and a quality-driven laboratory team.

Essential responsibilities

• Personally develop/modify NGS and RNA assays and run extraction, quality assessment, library preparation, sequencing, troubleshooting and optimization.
• Work with fresh frozen tumor tissue, liquid biopsy, low-input RNA, RNA extraction and QC and pathogen-detection workflows as appropriate to assigned assay scope.
• Design and execute LDT validation studies and maintain traceable raw data, QC, SOPs, deviation and corrective-action records.
• Contribute technically to bioinformatics pipelines, ideally by coding/configuring/testing steps; partner with computational specialists rather than delegating all analytical responsibility.
• Evaluate and optimize available sequencing and molecular analysis technologies with vendor and scientific support.
• Develop operational KPI baselines including sequencing run success, assay reproducibility, validation milestone completion, corrective-action closure, efficiency, training and cost/inventory.
• Develop technical leadership capabilities and, where qualified and formally designated, undertake applicable high-complexity laboratory supervisory duties under laboratory director oversight.

Experience and critical requirements

• Demonstrated first-hand responsibility for developing or substantially modifying NGS/RNA assays and resolving complex wet-lab workflow challenges. This position requires personal bench-level expertise.
• Ability to integrate specimen-to-result workflows and contribute directly to bioinformatics pipeline implementation, troubleshooting or analysis.
• Strongly preferred: clinical laboratory assay validation experience and working knowledge of CLIA/CAP quality and documentation expectations.
• Relevant experience with tumor tissue, liquid biopsy, low-input RNA, RNA quality assessment or pathogen-detection assays.
• Experience with automated sequencing, molecular profiling and relevant laboratory platforms is advantageous; equivalent assay development experience is valued.
• Graduate education in a relevant scientific discipline, or an appropriate combination of education and directly relevant experience. Candidates must meet any regulatory qualifications required for formally assigned laboratory supervisory duties.

Environment and behavioral differentiators

Hands-on builder, rigorous experimental thinker, resilient troubleshooter, meticulous documenter, comfortable in a developing laboratory, practical with limited information, collaborative across R&D and clinical teams, and patient-first in managing the risk of unreliable laboratory results.