Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Prenatal (contractor)

About the role

Join a dedicated team at BillionToOne, where we aim to revolutionize healthcare through innovative diagnostics. We are seeking part-time Clinical Laboratory Scientists to assist in our mission of providing life-changing prenatal testing. You will play a vital role in our CLIA-certified laboratory, contributing to the analysis of maternal blood samples for critical inherited disorders. In this capacity, you will directly support the development and delivery of high-impact screening technologies that address significant unmet medical needs. Your meticulous work will help ensure the accuracy and integrity of complex laboratory assays used in prenatal care. You will be an integral part of a collaborative CLIA Team focused on maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a startup environment where your expertise will have a tangible effect on patient outcomes. You will engage with cutting-edge methodologies that bridge the gap between advanced research and clinical diagnostics.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute complex laboratory procedures to analyze cell-free DNA and other biomarkers for prenatal assessments.
• Implement and monitor stringent quality control protocols to validate the precision and accuracy of all clinical test results.
• Conduct thorough calibration cycles and maintain detailed documentation to verify the consistent functionality of all laboratory instrumentation.
• Perform detailed manual molecular biology techniques when required to supplement automated testing platforms.
• Analyze intricate datasets and apply basic statistical methods to interpret assay performance and detect anomalies.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to troubleshoot unexpected assay failures and refine existing laboratory workflows.
• Develop and deliver clear training materials to ensure that technical staff understand standard operating procedures.
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to track samples, ensure chain of custody, and maintain audit trails.
• Optimize laboratory processes to improve turnaround times without compromising the integrity of sensitive prenatal samples.
• Maintain comprehensive records that comply with regulatory standards and support potential audits or inspections.
• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams regarding assay limitations and proper specimen handling.
• Stay current with advancements in medical genetics to incorporate evolving best practices into routine laboratory operations.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between laboratory capabilities and clinical project timelines.
• Contribute to the validation of new assays to support the expansion of the company's prenatal testing portfolio.

Requirements

• Possess a bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological sciences from an accredited institution.
• Have up to 2 years of prior experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in a regulated clinical environment.
• Hold a valid California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License issued by CGMBS or the Generalist pathway, compliant with CLIA regulations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel for data entry and reporting.
• Apply basic statistical knowledge to assess method performance and quality control data.
• Show familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data tracking and sample management.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in a high-volume, fast-paced laboratory setting.
• Operate effectively within strict deadlines while maintaining adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Function as a self-motivated team player who communicates clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• Comply with all safety regulations and documentation required for handling sensitive biological specimens.

Nice to have

• Bring experience gained from working in a fast-paced startup environment where adaptability is essential.
• Possess knowledge of medical genetics principles relevant to hereditary diseases and prenatal markers.
• Have hands-on familiarity with cell-free DNA testing platforms and the associated data interpretation challenges.
• Understand manual molecular biology techniques that complement high-throughput screening technologies.
• Contribute insights on optimizing workflows within a CLIA-certified laboratory framework.

Practical notes

• Target hourly rate: $70 per hour.
• This position is onsite.
• Engagement is part-time, up to 20 hours per week.
• This role is based in Union City, California, requiring physical presence at the designated laboratory facility.
• Candidates must ensure they are eligible for contractor status as defined by US regulations and company policy.
• The position is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and verification of licensure.
• Travel is not required for this role as all essential functions are performed at the primary worksite.
• This engagement is expected to be ongoing, subject to mutual agreement and continued business needs.
• All personnel must adhere to the company's code of conduct and confidentiality agreements.
• Applicants are reminded to focus their communication on the technical and operational aspects of the role as outlined in the requirements.