R&D Scientist

Apply Description

Predicta is building a molecular insights platform for blood cancer care. From a single blood sample, we generate longitudinal genomic and immune insights that help clinicians and researchers better understand disease biology, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease evolution over time.

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Scientist who will lead assay development efforts spanning flow cytometry and NGS technologies, including whole genome sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in immunology, cell biology, and genomics, with experience developing highly robust and reproducible assays deployed in clinical or research settings. This individual will play a key role in developing assays for the characterization of tumor and immune cells, from multi-color flow cytometry immunophenotyping and FACS-based sorting through to downstream NGS library preparation and sequencing, translating early research concepts into clinical assays.

This laboratory-based scientist should be passionate about developing cutting-edge cytometry and genomic assays and will work closely with an inter-disciplinary and cross-functional team of other laboratory-based scientists and computational biologists, focused on improving blood-based cancer diagnostic capabilities in areas including cancer detection, measurable residual disease, and other related applications.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize molecular assays spanning flow cytometry and NGS for tumor cell and immune characterization
• Lead multi-color and spectral flow cytometry panel design (10–30+ colors), fluorophore selection, antibody titration, and FACS-based cell sorting
• Contribute to development and optimization of NGS workflows, including library preparation, sample processing, and quality control
• Develop and optimize sample processing workflows (whole blood, bone marrow, PBMC isolation) that feed both flow cytometry and NGS/single-cell pipelines
• Use FACS to identify rare cell populations for downstream single-cell RNA-seq and other NGS applications
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, reagents, and platforms spanning cytometry (e.g., spectral flow) and sequencing to improve assay performance, robustness, and scalability
• Establish and maintain QC metrics, instrument standardization, and assay validation practices across both cytometry and sequencing workflows
• Plan and execute experiments independently, analyze data (FlowJo for flow; and standard NGS QC pipelines), and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with the R&D and computational biology teams to ensure seamless integration of wet-lab and analytical workflows across modalities
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and technical reports suitable for regulated environments
• Maintain meticulous, reproducible records and contribute to shared protocols
• Follow, document, and adapt experimental protocols with care and precision
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building best practices within the R&D organization
• Support technology transfer from R&D into product development and clinical operations as needed

Requirements

• PhD (or BS/MSc with significant industry experience) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field

• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience spanning flow cytometry/immunophenotyping and molecular biology assay development, preferably in a cutting-edge research/R&D environment

• Deep expertise in multi-parameter and spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, instrument operation and FACS-based cell sorting

• Deep expertise in NGS technologies, including library prep, sequencing platforms, and workflow optimization; experience with single-cell RNA-seq or related single-cell technologies (scWGS, scATAC-seq, scMultiomics) is a strong plus

• Strong understanding of immune cell subsets and immunophenotyping, particularly in the context of hematologic malignancies

• Hands-on experience with compensation, fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls, and gating strategy development

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills

• Demonstrated success working in cross-functional, fast-moving research or startup environments and collaborating with computational scientists

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently

• Demonstrated curiosity and scientific rigor with excellent problem-solving skills

• Ability to engage in crucial conversations – providing and receiving feedback Preferred qualifications

• Hands-on experience linking flow cytometry-sorted populations directly into NGS or single-cell library preparation workflows

• Experience developing assays intended for clinical or regulated use (e.g., CLIA, CAP, or FDA-regulated environments)

• Familiarity with computational methods and software for analysis of flow cytometry and/or NGS data, especially for quality control

• Prior experience bringing assays from early research through to product development

• Experience with automation of cell and molecular biology assays, especially sample extraction, cell staining/sorting, and NGS library preparation

• Background in immunology, immuno-oncology, or immune-mediated diseases Work Location

• This role is based in Cambridge, MA and is a full time in-office role. Travel may be required in the future. Why Join Predicta Biosciences? This is a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team advancing precision diagnostics for hematologic cancers. You’ll play a key role in shaping the quality and performance of our clinical testing efforts and contribute directly to patient-impactful innovations.

The annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $180,000 plus a 10% bonus opportunity. Predicta considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, skills, education, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation will vary, and it is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Additional rewards include equity, flexible time off, 401k Plan, medical, dental and vision plans that are 90% paid by Predicta and a partially company-funded HSA.