Scientist (NGS Automation)

Job Title: Scientist (NGS Automation)Reports to: Senior Staff Engineer, Platform IntegrationFLSA Class: ExemptLearn more about our company and how we support you:Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best-in-class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and-often-hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology...and That's Good Science!How this role drives the company forward:The Scientist works primarily hands-on in the lab conducting experiments to drive projects through all stages of product development, from initial Proof of Concept, through Research and Development, to Product Launch. To accomplish these tasks, the individual works collaboratively with other colleagues in R&D, Engineering, Marketing and Operations.The Scientist role is lab-based.Occasional travel, including overnight, may be required (e.g., to attend conferences).How you will make an impact:Let's do great science together! We are seeking a skilled and motivated Scientist to join our R&D team and drive innovation across our NGS product portfolio. The primary focus of this role is to design, execute, and analyze experiments to integrate NGS assays on automated liquid handling platforms, and develop innovative automation solutions for single-cell multi-omics applications. Systematic experimental designs, supported by rigorous data analysis, are applied to troubleshoot and optimize complex workflows. In this role, you will lead projects through the entire product development lifecycle with guidance from senior scientific staff. You will also work collaboratively with cross-functional partners-including engineering, operations, and marketing, to drive successful product transfer and launch. You will communicate and present complex data clearly to stakeholders and at R&D meetings to guide project decisions and derive scientific insights.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in NGS and automation platforms, with a focus on single-cell multi-omics. They demonstrate excellent analytical and systematic problem-solving skills and thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.What will you do: Develops, evaluates, and translates cutting-edge technologies into robust NGS product solutions. Performs NGS data analysis (e.g., sequencing QC metrics, single-cell RNA/DNA-seq) using computational tools; visualizes and presents complex data clearly to generate scientific insights and informs project decisions through rigorous statistical interpretation. Plans, schedules, and conducts experiments for one or more projects, exhibiting good skills in experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation. Understands project goals, meets project specifications, and commits to deliver projects within set deadlines under guidance from Senior Scientists and Marketing partners (Product and/or Market Strategy Managers). Prepares clear, detailed reports and ensures timely, accurate updates to electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and project databases, maintaining data integrity and traceability across all projects. Drafts technical documents (e.g. SOPs, user manuals, tech notes, app notes, white papers) with assistance from Senior Scientists, Marketing and Operations teams. Identifies potential new products for development based on assessment of customer demand, market trends, and competitor analysis with guidance from Senior Scientists and Marketing. Participate in R&D scientific meetings and may represent the company at customer-facing venues, including conference presentations and posters. Serves as a resource to R&D and other departments within the organization, including Product Management and Operations - especially during product development and launch. May support Sales and Technical Support representatives on technical matters. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.How will you get here? Ph.D. in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a relevant scientific discipline with 2-5 years of postdoctoral and/or industrial experience. Strong knowledge of single-cell and bulk NGS, spatial genomics, and other multi-omics approaches. Solid hands-on experience in end-to-end NGS workflows, including sample and library preparation, quality assessment, and operation of multiple sequencing platforms. Working proficiency in NGS data analysis and interpretation using bioinformatics tools and computational workflows in Linux, R, Python, and Jupyter environments. Demonstrated experience in developing workflows on automated liquid handling platforms. Exhibits meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation to ensure data reproducibility and integrity. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to apply systematic, hypothesis- and statistically driven experimental design to troubleshoot and optimize complex workflows. Adept at prioritizing effectively, maintaining focus on key objectives, and managing multiple projects in parallel while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills with a solid publication and conference record. Brings a 'can-do' mindset and passion for enabling new technologies and embracing challenges. Collaborative personality with good interpersonal skills.You are amazing if you have: Skilled in handling biological samples (e.g., primary, fresh-frozen, FFPE) using standard laboratory instrumentation and techniques, including cryostat, microtome, nuclei dissociation, FACS, etc. Experience with AI-enabled analysis pipelines, including integration with agentic systems, for high-throughput and multi-omics data analysis.AAP/EEO Statement:Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.Additional Information about the role:Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in San Jose, CA, is $150,000 - $160,000 USD. We may consider other candidates for this position with more experience and would expect the salary range to change accordingly. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.

Created: 2026-04-02