Senior Research & Development Scientist

Headquarters
Baylor Genetics
2450 Holcombe Blvd
Houston, TX 77021, USA

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative R&D Senior Scientist to lead the development of next-generation molecular diagnostic assays. This role is designed for a seasoned scientist who combines deep technical expertise with scientific leadership, project ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.

The Senior Scientist will drive assay development from concept through validation and transfer, contribute to platform and technology strategy, and serve as a technical mentor within the R&D organization. This position operates with a high degree of independence and scientific judgment while influencing broader program and departmental goals.

• Provide scientific leadership in the design, development, optimization, and improvement of molecular diagnostic assays, with an emphasis on sequencing-based technologies.
• Lead complex assay development projects, setting technical strategy, timelines, and risk mitigation plans.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in relevant NGS workflows and application domains.
• Design, execute, and interpret advanced experiments to evaluate assay performance, robustness, and limitations.
• Define assay performance criteria and partner with validation teams to design verification and validation studies.
• Drive assay transfer to operations, supporting scale‑up, automation, and process robustness.
• Collaborate closely with bioinformatics, automation, clinical, regulatory, and quality teams to ensure end‑to‑end assay success.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, chemistries, and workflow improvements to advance the assay portfolio.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and project teams.
• Author and review technical documentation, study reports, protocols, and regulatory‑supporting materials.
• Present scientific findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies.

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Typically 5+ years of hands‑on industry experience in molecular assay development, preferably in a clinical or regulated diagnostics environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in NGS‑based assay development and sequencing workflows.
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, NGS library preparation, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Proven experience developing NGS assays for various sample types including tissue, blood, saliva, buccal swab and liquid biopsy (cfDNA).
• Deep understanding of assay development lifecycle, including optimization, verification, validation, and transfer.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex experimental and sequencing data.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

• Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., CLIA, CAP, ISO, FDA).
• Track record of leading multi‑disciplinary assay development projects.
• Experience with assay automation and liquid handling platforms.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and data quality metrics for NGS assays.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions or clinical assay launches.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor scientists and influence technical direction.

• Frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use hand and finger dexterity to operate laboratory equipment.
• Frequently required to communicate verbally and visually interpret technical data.
• Occasionally exposed to blood borne or airborne pathogens or infectious materials.
• Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and office environment.

Baylor Genetics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.