Sr. Scientist, Diagnostic Assay Development

10x Genomics • Pleasanton, CA

19h

About The Position

10x Genomics is establishing a diagnostics effort to translate our leading single-cell and spatial genomics technologies into impactful clinical applications. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Diagnostic Assay Development team. This is a hands-on bench scientist role with scientific ownership of assay development and optimization, combined with mentorship and technical leadership of junior staff. The Senior Scientist will directly execute, troubleshoot, and refine 10x Genomics–based assays to support development of robust Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs).

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field, or M.S. with equivalent industry experience.
• 3+ years (Ph.D.), 5+ years (M.S.) of hands-on industry experience in molecular diagnostics or genomics assay development.
• Extensive, direct hands-on experience with 10x Genomics single-cell and/or spatial technologies, including troubleshooting and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently adapt and refine published molecular biology protocols.
• Strong background in NGS workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library preparation
• Experience working with complex or low-input clinical samples (e.g., FFPE tissue, primary tumor material)
• Experience with cell culture methods
• Prior mentoring or supervisory experience preferred
• Experience working in CLIA, CAP, or ISO 13485–regulated environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with automation or high-throughput workflows is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Highly hands-on scientist who enjoys bench work and solving complex technical problems.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to data quality and reproducibility.
• Effective communicator who collaborates well across disciplines.
• Comfortable balancing independent execution with mentorship and team leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute complex single-cell and spatial genomics workflows, including sample processing, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Serve as a hands-on technical expert for 10x Genomics platforms (e.g., Chromium, Xenium), with direct responsibility for assay performance.
• Systematically troubleshoot and optimize assay workflows to improve robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
• Adapt, refine, and extend published protocols to meet clinical, regulatory, and scalability requirements.
• Design and execute feasibility studies evaluating new reagents, chemistries, instrumentation, and workflow improvements.
• Process diverse and challenging clinical sample types in support of clinical research and validation studies.
• Design and execute experiments supporting analytical validation, including accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and reproducibility.
• Generate, review, and maintain high-quality laboratory documentation, including SOPs, validation protocols, and batch records, in accordance with Good Documentation Practices.
• Analyze assay performance metrics and quality control data to drive data-based technical decisions.
• Clearly present experimental data and scientific conclusions in team meetings and written reports.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff.
• Review experimental plans, data, and lab records generated to ensure scientific rigor and documentation quality.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members on 10x platforms, assay workflows, and laboratory best practices.
• Lead by example through hands-on bench work while contributing to team planning and prioritization.
• Collaborate closely with R&D Scientists, Automation Engineers, Bioinformatics, and CLIA Operations teams to advance assay development milestones.
• Lead transfer of optimized assay workflows into the CLIA laboratory.
• Work with lab operations to maintain a high-quality laboratory environment, including inventory management, equipment calibration, and safety compliance.

Benefits

• This role is also eligible for 10x’s equity grants, its comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs, and its annual bonus program or sales incentive program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree