Senior Scientist I

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

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The Senior Scientist I is responsible for the design and development of real time PCR and RT-PCR IVD assays in an FDA-QSR and ISO13485 compliant organization.

This position is part of the Biochip R&D Unit and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA (onsite). At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Design, set up and execute complex experiments including data collection, summary, and critical analysis to meet project, department, and company objectives.
• Apply analytical problem-solving skills and strategies for the development of complex in vitro diagnostic real time PCR and RT-PCR tests for infectious diseases. Perform rigorous analytical studies required to demonstrate technical feasibility of complex assays.
• Provide data driven direction and guidance to junior scientific colleagues.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• PhD (or MS/BS with equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in designing, developing, and optimizing real-time PCR and RT-PCR assays. Demonstrated ability to create, validate, and set specifications for test methods.

• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and/or droplet digital PCR systems, with a strong preference for candidates who have applied these techniques in metagenomic studies.
• Experience in performing nucleic acid extraction/purification, handling microbiological and clinical specimens, and working in a BSL-2 environment.
• Knowledge of product development lifecycle process and design control (Technical Feasibility and Design & Development phases, phase gate exits). Experience implementing and following robust design control processes for CE and/or US-IVD tests.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Minimum of 2 years industry experience, with a preference for experience in medical devices or IVD diagnostics.
• Designing oligos for microorganism detection with experience/knowledge of melt probes designs.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $103,000 to $142,000 USD. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. 

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.