At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

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This is a Scientist II position in a collaborative NIH grant-funded project and is primarily a bench level job. The Scientist II will be responsible for developing next generation, highly multiplexed, real time PCR and RT-PCR assays for detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Experience in working on PCR based diagnostics of Mycobacterial species with emphasis on molecular diagnostics and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis is a key requirement. The ideal candidate is expected to have adequate experience in general molecular biology methods with focus on multiplexed PCR and RT PCR or NGS based diagnostics, as well as knowledge and experience in early-stage PCR diagnostic assay design and development. In addition to technical qualifications, the candidate is expected to be highly goal-oriented, able to respond to shifting demands and priorities and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The candidate will get an opportunity to work closely with expert external collaborators in a highly innovative cross-functional environment to develop and standardize advanced sample processing microfluidics and highly multiplexed diagnostic PCR assays. Hands on experience in working with GeneXpert® instrument and Xpert® assay cartridges, and advanced knowledge on molecular mechanisms of TB drug resistance will be a plus.

This is a fully on-site role in the Cepheid Research and Development group, located in Sunnyvale, California. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Design, screen and test primers and probes, perform real time PCR and RT-PCR assays, develop highly multiplexed assays to detect drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and optimize complex PCR assays to obtain commercial levels of success on the GeneXpert platform.

• Perform analytical verification and validation of assay performance like determination of assay limit of detection, analytical specificity, inclusivity, exclusivity, assay robustness, precision, reproducibility, and reagent stability testing as necessary, optimize complex sample processing and PCR microfluidics steps within the GeneXpert cartridge and write and modify assay definition files.

• Handle mycobacterial (BSL-2 strains) and other microbial cultures, perform accurate CFU plating, maintenance, and propagation of frozen mycobacterial stocks and work with biological fluids like sputum and blood which involves screening clinical samples, performing analytical experiments with contrived samples and maintaining sample repository.

• Regularly analyze large datasets, maintain detailed experimental records, and present in technical meetings. Order reagents, oligonucleotides, and commercially available microorganisms and coordinate shipping with the collaborating institution as and when necessary. Prepare reagent beads and collaborate with manufacturing and product transfer teams to build prototype assay cartridges.

• Closely work with external academic collaborators on a day-to-day basis, present data and R&D updates in weekly meetings and provide training to the collaborating R&D personnel as necessary, quickly adjust priorities and work efficiently for on time delivery based on shifting project demands and deadlines and provide input to the project schedule and communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams as required.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• BS with at least 3 years of experience, MS with at least 2 years of experience, or Ph.D. with focus on molecular diagnostics of bacterial/mycobacterial antibiotic resistance, at a molecular diagnostics company, public health laboratory or similar institution.

• Experience with development, standardization and optimization of highly multiplexed quantitative and qualitative real time PCR or RT-PCR, including oligo screening and titration, PCR efficiency estimation, standardization of asymmetric PCR, post PCR melt assay standardization, reagent guard banding and PCR DOE for optimal performance.

• Experience in working with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mycobacterium species with focus on mycobacterial diagnostics and drug resistance targets and mutations, working with contrived clinical samples, experience in working with infectious disease microorganisms, including culturing, plating, CFU estimation and propagation of mycobacteria and other bacterial species with proven track record of driving success.

• Multiplexed PCR assay design, development, and standardization experience, including but not limited to target identification, primer design, probe design and oligo design bioinformatics.

• Must possess skills/knowledge in handling clinical specimens and be able to work in a BSL-2 environment with BSL-2 mycobacterial strains and other bacterial species, and must be able to generate, analyze and interpret complex datasets from day-to-day laboratory experiments and present them to external collaborators to achieve project goals on time.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Hands on experience in working with GeneXpert® instrument and Xpert® assay cartridges.

• Developing and standardization of PCR assays to detect genetic mutations and SNP in bacteria, with focus on PCR melt assays.

• Experience in working with software like Minitab, DNASTAR, Python and JMP.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The annual salary range for this role is $90,000 - $105,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

At Danaher we bring together science, technology and operational capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. Our global teams are pioneering what’s next across Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Biotechnology and beyond. For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Given the essential job duties of this position, the employee is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to reasonable accommodation and applicable law.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve.Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at applyassistance@danaher.com to request accommodation.

Operating Company: Cepheid