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NGS Scientist I

Tempus AI · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an NGS library prep or molecular assay you helped develop or optimize. What did you change and how did you measure the result?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on assay development experience and judge success with data.

Tell me about a time an experiment didn't give you the answer you hoped for. What did you do with it?

What they are checking: Whether they report results honestly and learn from them rather than rerunning until they look good.

What would you do

Your library yields drop suddenly across several runs. How do you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they isolate variables systematically instead of changing several things at once.

How does working in a high-throughput clinical lab change how you design a process compared with a research lab?

What they are checking: Whether they think about scalability, automation and robustness for daily clinical use.

You think a step in a validated workflow could be improved, but the lab is busy running clinical samples. How do you propose the change?

What they are checking: Whether they respect change control in a regulated lab while still pushing improvements.

About the work

How would you design a validation study for a new reagent lot in a CAP/CLIA/NYSDOH lab?

What they are checking: Whether they know acceptance criteria, sample selection and documentation that regulators expect.

What's the difference between accuracy, precision, sensitivity and limit of detection in assay validation, and how would you measure each?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the core performance characteristics a clinical assay must prove.

How do you design an R&D experiment so the results are actually trustworthy?

What they are checking: Whether they think about controls, replicates and confounders before running anything.

How do you keep your lab notebook and documentation good enough to support a regulatory review?

What they are checking: Whether their records would let someone else reproduce and audit their work.

What sequencing QC metrics do you look at first when judging whether a run is good?

What they are checking: Whether they know practical run metrics like coverage, duplication and quality scores.

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The full job description

As published by Tempus AI.

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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