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Senior Scientist, Assay Development

DELFI Diagnostics


Job Location:

Palo Alto, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 130000 - 155000
Posted: 29 September 2026 (7 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About Us

DELFI Diagnostics Inc. (DELFI Diagnostics) is developing next-generation blood-based tests that are reliable accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer. Employing advanced machine-learning methods to whole-genome sequencing data the DELFI (DNA EvaLuation of Fragments for early Interception) platform is built to address the highest-burden health challenges. DELFI Diagnostics prioritizes solutions that have the potential to save lives on a global scale including for historically underserved populations. DELFI Diagnostics platform relies on fragmentomics the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and when they die leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. FirstLook Lung for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening is DELFI Diagnostics first laboratory-developed screening test and can be part of routine blood work. FirstLook Lung uses millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT including early stage disease with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent. This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

In our passionate pursuit to radically improve health outcomes we serve humanity when we:

Lead with Science Anchor in Pragmatism: We pioneer life-changing science by ensuring quality transparency and rigor at all times. We explore thoughtfully experiment smartly and deliver impact with conviction.

Build With & For All: We embrace diverse backgrounds to innovate and achieve together. We are not just building a product - we aim to disrupt the path of cancer for all - no matter geography or socioeconomic class

Put We over I: We are a home for high-performing people. Through teamwork we build collective intelligence. Each of us wins when those we serve and those who serve with us--win. We show up with empathy humility and integrity at every step of the journey.

DELFI has 1-2 designated in-office working days each week for employees who live within within 50 miles of Palo Alto CA or Baltimore MD offices

In this role you will be part of the Assay Development team driving the development and optimization of robust multiomics molecular diagnostic assays for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) applications for early cancer detection. Reporting to the Director leading the analytical validation program you will contribute to the design execution and documentation of design verification studies that will serve as the basis for the assays analytical performance claims. You will collaborate closely with quality and regulatory functions to help ensure that product design development and transfer comply with design control and risk management will apply a strong foundation in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsies working within a Design Control framework to develop and validate regulated diagnostic products. This is a lab-based position that is required to be onsite when needed for laboratory work


This role is expected to be onsite 5 days a week when needed for laboratory work.
What youll do
  • Design develop and optimize assay reagent and quality-control parameters to set tolerance limits and meet performance requirements for complex multiomic assays.

  • Assist and execute analytical validation (AV) studies other design verification studies and design transfer activities as assigned by your manager.

  • Collaborate with R&D Lab Operations Biostatisticians and Quality and Regulatory teams to execute study plans.

  • Draft design verification and validation study documentation including study protocols and reports for review.

  • Contribute to FDA PMA submission packages under the guidance of your manager.

  • Prepare data summaries for Formal Design Reviews and key program milestones.

  • Contribute to Delfis design control process throughout the product life cycle including plans risk assessments and design verification activities to advance the assay toward product requirements and milestones.

  • Support Delfis culture of compliance by following and contributing to scalable tools structures and processes for compliant product development.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to associate scientists and research associates on validated methods and best practices.

What youll bring to DELFI

Required

  • Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology or a related field; or Masters degree with 2 years of relevant work experience; or Bachelors degree with 5 years of relevant work experience; or equivalent.

  • 2 years of experience developing molecular or genomic assays.

  • Hands-on NGS assay development experience ideally with liquid biopsies (genomic and/or multiomics).

  • Experience with design of experiments (DOE) assay optimization and data-driven decision making.

  • Working knowledge of developing products within a Design Control / regulated environment (FDA 21 CFR Part 820 ISO 14971 ISO 13485 IVDR).

  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to independently solve complex technical problems and adapt established approaches to new situations.

  • Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

  • Experience with multiomics assays and the integration of multiple omics under one product.

  • Experience with cfDNA or fragmentomics-based assays.

  • Exposure to design verification and/or PMA submissions.

$130000 - $155000 a year
Total Compensation at DELFI is a combination of salary bonus equity and benefits. Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate including but not limited to skillset years & depth of experience certifications & relevant education geography.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability status.

This position is not eligible for agency partnership. Resumes and outreach from staffing representatives will be declined.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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Saving Lives Through Early Cancer Detection

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