NGS Scientist

Position Summary

Athenomics is seeking an NGS Scientist to join our laboratory team in Framingham, MA.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with NGS library preparation, including WGS, bulk RNA-seq, and 10x Genomics single-cell workflows. This role will support both bench execution and customer-facing experimental design. The NGS Scientist will help build, optimize, troubleshoot, and document workflows for standard and customized sequencing projects.

Experience with spatial transcriptomics or other spatial omics workflows is a strong plus. No prior industry experience is required. We welcome PhD-level candidates with strong hands-on research experience and the ability to work carefully, communicate clearly, and grow in a startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

* Perform NGS library preparation for WGS, bulk RNA-seq, and 10x Genomics single-cell applications.

* Execute 10x Genomics workflows, including 3’ transcriptome, 5’ transcriptome, and 5’ VDJ library preparation.

* Support sample QC, nucleic acid QC, library QC, pooling, documentation, and sequencing submission.

* Participate in customer experimental design discussions, including sample requirements, workflow selection, sequencing depth, and project feasibility.

* Troubleshoot challenging samples, including low-input RNA, fragile single-cell samples, special customer samples, and customized workflows.

* Support on-site single-cell service projects when needed.

* Develop, optimize, and document SOPs for NGS library preparation and QC workflows.

* Work closely with bioinformatics, operations, and sales teams to ensure smooth project execution from sample intake to data delivery.

* Maintain accurate laboratory records and support LIMS / workflow tracking.

* Contribute to continuous improvement of quality, turnaround time, reproducibility, and customer experience.

* Stay current with new NGS, single-cell, spatial, and library preparation technologies.

Required Qualifications

* PhD or experienced Master in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, medicine, or a related field.

* Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation.

* Strong understanding of sample QC, library QC, sequencing requirements, and common NGS failure points.

* Ability to participate in customer-facing scientific discussions and help design practical experimental plans.

* Bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese.

* Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment.

* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with spatial transcriptomics or other spatial omics workflows.

* Experience with low-input RNA-seq, immune repertoire sequencing, antibody discovery workflows, metagenomics, or customized sequencing workflows.

* Familiarity with 10x Chromium instruments, Illumina sequencing platforms, and NovaSeq-scale sequencing requirements.

* Experience working in an NGS core facility, academic research lab, genomics service company, CRO, biotech company, or translational research environment.

* Basic understanding of bioinformatics deliverables such as FASTQ, BAM, VCF, expression matrix, cell-gene matrix, VDJ outputs, and QC reports.

* Experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting experimental protocols.

* Experience communicating with collaborators, customers, or cross-functional teams.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $80,000–$140,000 per year, depending on background and qualifications.

Work Authorization

Athenomics supports **H-1B transfer, H-1B lottery, OPT, and STEM OPT extension** for qualified candidates, subject to applicable immigration requirements and company policy.