Senior Scientist - NGS Assay Development
Location: Singapore
Department: R&D / Molecular Diagnostics
Reporting To: Technology & Product Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
At AITbiotech, we develop integrated molecular diagnostics solutions spanning qPCR, targeted sequencing, and bioinformaticsworkflows. Our abNEX platform focuses on targeted NGS assays designed for clinically actionable molecular diagnostics applications.
We areseeking a highly motivated and technically strong Senior Scientist - NGS Assay Development to lead hands-on development and optimization of targeted NGS assays for the abNEX platform. The role is ideal for an experienced assay developer who enjoys translating scientific concepts into robust, scalable, and clinically usable workflows.
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Key Responsibilities
Assay Development
- Design, develop, and optimize targeted NGS assays for molecular diagnostics applications.
- Execute hands-on assay development including:
- Primer and panel design
- Multiplex PCR optimization
- Library preparation workflow development
- Target enrichment optimization
- Sequencing workflow optimization
- Develop assays for applications such as:
- Infectious disease detection
- AMR profiling
- Oncology panels
- Targeted genomic profiling
Experimental Execution
- Independently plan and execute experiments with minimal supervision.
- Troubleshoot assay performance issues and optimize sensitivity, specificity, uniformity, and reproducibility.
- Perform analytical evaluations including:
- Limit of detection (LoD)
- Precision/reproducibility
- Cross-reactivity/interference
- Sample input compatibility
- Analyze experimental data and generate technical reports.
Workflow& Product Development
- Support development of streamlined and scalable workflows suitable for clinical laboratories.
- Collaborate with bioinformatics team on data analysis pipeline integration and assay performance evaluation.
- Contribute to development of assay documentation, SOPs, and validation protocols.
- Support technology transfer into manufacturing and operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
- Bioinformatics
- Regulatory affairs
- Quality assurance
- Manufacturing
- Commercial/product teams
- Support technical discussions with collaborators, KOLs, and external partners when required.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure assay development activities comply with ISO 13485 and internal quality systems.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and development documentation.
- Support preparation of technical documentation for regulatory submissions where applicable.
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Qualifications
Required
- MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related field.
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience in NGS assay development.
- Strong experience in:
- Multiplex PCR design and optimization
- Targeted NGS workflows
- Library preparation methods
- Sequencing assay troubleshooting
- Familiarity with Illumina or and MGI sequencing platforms and workflow requirements.
- Experience analyzing NGS assay performance metrics.
- Strong experimental design and troubleshooting capability.
Preferred
- Experience in molecular diagnostics or IVD assay development.
- Experience with infectious disease and/or oncology assays.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows and variant interpretation.
- Experience working within ISO 13485 or regulated environments.
- Experience supporting commercialization or manufacturing transfer is advantageous.
Key Attributes
- Strong hands-on laboratory capability
- Scientifically rigorous and detail-oriented
- Problem solver with strong troubleshooting mindset
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced product development environment
- Collaborative and cross-functional team player
