Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA

Full Time

Experienced

THE OPPORTUNITY: Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development Scientist

LOCATION: Pittsburgh, PA

About Captis Diagnostics:

Captis Diagnostics is a biotechnology Start-up company committed to transforming cancer care through non-invasive technologies. We specialize in leveraging extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes to develop next-generation cancer diagnostic tools for improved patient outcomes.

Position Summary: Captis Diagnostics is seeking a Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development Scientist to lead and support the design, development, and optimization of molecular diagnostic assays. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving innovation in our assay pipeline, with responsibilities spanning from experimental planning to data interpretation. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Pittsburgh, PA, reporting to the Project Lead.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and optimize high-throughput sequencing-based assays (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore) to identify clinically relevant genetic changes.
Lead the development and validation of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), qPCR, and RT-qPCR assays for sensitive and specific detection of rare genetic changes.
Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to cross-functional teams; contribute to technical reports, protocols, and scientific publications.
Troubleshoot assay performance and implement improvements to enhance sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
Collaborate with team members on R&D initiatives and help translate research findings into clinical assay formats.
Manage reagent procurement and inventory, maintain organized lab records, and help ensure compliance with internal SOPs and quality standards.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field; or M.S. with at least 2–3 years of relevant industry or academic experience.
Demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostics assay development, particularly PCR and/or sequencing-based methods.
Hands-on expertise with ddPCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction.
Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills.
Experience working in a fast-paced research or product development environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality scientific work.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with exosome/EV isolation and characterization.
Familiarity with liquid biopsy technologies and oncology biomarkers.
Prior involvement in CLIA or CAP-compliant assay development is a plus.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your desired salary range, along with your resume/CV, to Dr. Simon He at [email protected]. Please include "Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development Scientist" in the subject line.

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Molecular Diagnostic Assay Development Scientist

Apply for this position

Thanks for visiting our Job Board. Please review the open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

Please note that many of the job postings listed here are for positions with our portfolio companies.