R&D Research Associate

The Opportunity: 

Universal DX is seeking an R&D Research Associate to support the continued development and refinement of Signal-C, our next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay for colorectal cancer screening. You will execute customized study protocols with training and guidance from scientists, help investigate unexpected results, and contribute to improvements in assay chemistry and performance. 

This hands-on, onsite role in Dallas Fort Worth calls for a foundation in molecular biology and the ability to learn new methods and carry out study-specific protocols. You will work across plasma cfDNA extraction, library preparation, target capture, and sequencing using manual and automated methods. 

 You will be part of a team that is passionate about developing novel diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancers. As part of the team, you will be in a Company that aims more than to become one of the leaders in the industry. We want to have a huge positive impact on society by achieving the ambitious purpose of “making cancer a curable disease by detecting it earlier”. 

 

How you’ll contribute: 

• Help scientists prepare bench protocols and run plans. Execute bespoke studies with guidance as needed, documenting experimental variables, controls, and protocol revisions. 

• Process plasma and extract cell-free DNA (cfDNA); perform library preparation, methylation conversion, PCR, bead cleanup, target capture, and sequencing. Support whole-blood processing when required by a study. 

• Set up and run Hamilton or similar liquid handlers after training; verify deck layouts, worklists, labware, and study-specific parameters, and raise method or run issues with Automation. 

• Prepare reagent mixes, dilutions, controls, plate maps, and library pools; check calculations, sample availability, identities, index assignments, and sequencing sample sheets. 

• Assess DNA and library yield, purity, and size using TapeStation and other quantification methods. Review QC results and flag variability for follow-up with scientists. 

• Support optimization, robustness, stability, and verification studies evaluating extraction conditions, library chemistry and adapters, capture panels, and processing parameters. 

• Assist in investigating unexpected results by checking controls, sample quality, reagents, reaction conditions, and automation performance; document observations and carry out follow-up experiments with scientists. 

• Maintain complete experiment and LIMS records covering protocol changes, results, deviations and corrective actions, reagent lots, instrument settings, sample IDs, remaining volumes, and storage/freeze-thaw history. 

• Summarize results for review; support protocols, SOPs, reports, and training materials. Coordinate with scientists, Molecular Technologists, Automation, Bioinformatics, Quality, and sample-management colleagues. 

• Perform and document routine equipment checks and maintenance. Follow safety and contamination-control procedures for human specimens, chemicals, and hazardous waste. 

 

What you’ll bring: 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, biomedical or biomechanical engineering, or a related field. 

• Hands-on molecular biology experience through academic research, internships, or industry laboratory work, including DNA extraction, quantification and purification, PCR, reagent preparation, and accurate dilution calculations. 

• Familiarity with automated liquid handlers or comparable laboratory automation, and ability to learn Hamilton run setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting. 

• Ability to follow multistep protocols and learn study-specific variations with guidance, with a basic understanding of molecular biology principles, experimental controls, and sources of variability. 

• Ability to recognize unexpected results, review quantitative data, and assist with troubleshooting, seeking guidance from scientists or Automation when needed. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word or equivalent tools for reagent calculations, basic data summaries, plots, and clear laboratory documentation. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to organize assigned experiments, protect limited sample material, and communicate findings and issues clearly.