NGS Scientist I

Tempus AI
Tempus AI logo
Location
Chicago
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
September 16, 2026
Views
3
Salary Range
$75k - $95k USD

Job Description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

At Tempus, we are leveraging the power of AI to transform clinical care. Our proprietary platform connects a vast ecosystem of real-world data to deliver intelligent, actionable insights that help physicians make more informed decisions and enable personalized treatment for patients.

We are seeking a Scientist to support the development, optimization and validation of molecular assays and laboratory processes for deployment in our high-throughput clinical laboratory.

What You’ll Do

  • Perform hands-on assay development for advanced molecular and NGS-based workflows in a CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH regulated clinical laboratory

  • Design, execute, and analyze R&D experiments with strong attention to detail and scientific rigor

  • Design and execute qualification and validation studies for reagents, instruments, equipment, and methods to support clinical deployment.

  • Interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.

  • Support automation and technology initiatives to improve laboratory workflows.

  • Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of methods, materials, and results

  • Train and mentor junior scientific staff and support implementation of new laboratory workflows as needed

  • Collaborate across cross-functional teams and provide scientific support in a matrixed environment.

  • Communicate clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

  • Travel up to 10% as needed

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, assay development, or a related field.

  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.

  • Ability to interpret results using scientific literature and SME input to refine experimental design

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and accuracy.

  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, technologies, and workflows.

  • Strong collaboration skills with the ability to lead across teams.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Experience working in dynamic environments with competing priorities and deadlines

  • Ability to interpret results using scientific literature and SME input to refine experimental design

Preferred Technical Experience

  • Hands-on experience with one or more of the following:

  • DNA/RNA extraction and purification methods.

  • PCR-based techniques, including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and ddPCR.

  • Nucleic acid manipulation, quantitation, and analysis.

  • Assay troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and workflow optimization.

Highly Desirable

  • NGS library preparation, hybrid capture, and sequencing workflows.

  • Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling robotics

  • Prior experience in a clinical laboratory environment

  • Familiarity with LIMS and laboratory data systems

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

At Tempus, we are leveraging the power of AI to transform clinical care. Our proprietary platform connects a vast ecosystem of real-world data to deliver intelligent, actionable insights that help physicians make more informed decisions and enable personalized treatment for patients.

We are seeking a Scientist to support the development, optimization and validation of molecular assays and laboratory processes for deployment in our high-throughput clinical laboratory.

What You’ll Do

  • Perform hands-on assay development for advanced molecular and NGS-based workflows in a CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH regulated clinical laboratory

  • Design, execute, and analyze R&D experiments with strong attention to detail and scientific rigor

  • Design and execute qualification and validation studies for reagents, instruments, equipment, and methods to support clinical deployment.

  • Interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.

  • Support automation and technology initiatives to improve laboratory workflows.

  • Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of methods, materials, and results

  • Train and mentor junior scientific staff and support implementation of new laboratory workflows as needed

  • Collaborate across cross-functional teams and provide scientific support in a matrixed environment.

  • Communicate clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

  • Travel up to 10% as needed

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience in molecular biology, assay development, or a related field.

  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.

  • Ability to interpret results using scientific literature and SME input to refine experimental design

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and accuracy.

  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, technologies, and workflows.

  • Strong collaboration skills with the ability to lead across teams.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Experience working in dynamic environments with competing priorities and deadlines

  • Ability to interpret results using scientific literature and SME input to refine experimental design

Preferred Technical Experience

  • Hands-on experience with one or more of the following:

  • DNA/RNA extraction and purification methods.

  • PCR-based techniques, including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and ddPCR.

  • Nucleic acid manipulation, quantitation, and analysis.

  • Assay troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and workflow optimization.

Highly Desirable

  • NGS library preparation, hybrid capture, and sequencing workflows.

  • Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling robotics

  • Prior experience in a clinical laboratory environment

  • Familiarity with LIMS and laboratory data systems

CHI: $75,000-$95,000

The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the job located, and is it remote/hybrid/on-site?
The job is located in Chicago. The posting does not specify a remote or hybrid work-mode policy.
What are the key responsibilities of the NGS Scientist I?
You will perform hands-on assay development for molecular and NGS-based workflows, design and execute R&D experiments and validation studies, troubleshoot issues, document results, train junior staff, and collaborate across teams. Travel up to 10% is required.
What qualifications and experience are required?
You need a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years of experience in molecular biology, assay development, or a related field. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, experimental design, and communication skills are also required.
What is the salary range for this position?
The expected salary range for Chicago is $75,000 to $95,000. The actual salary may vary based on your qualifications and experience.
What benefits does Tempus AI offer?
Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical, and other benefits depending on the position.

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Job Information

Source: workday
AI Relevance: 88/100 (Highly relevant)
Remote Type: onsite
Allowed Locations: Chicago
Skills & Tags:
tempus ai pharma
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