Day Zero Diagnostics (DZD) is an exciting startup revolutionizing infectious disease diagnostics, by leveraging cutting-edge sample prep technologies, whole genome sequencing and machine learning. We are building the next generation of IVDs, able to perform comprehensive bacterial species ID and antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility (AMR/S) profiling in less than 8 hours of sample receipt, without the need for culture. 

Our first application is for Sepsis. Sepsis is responsible for about a third of hospital deaths and costs hospitals in the US about $24B annually. Using the current culture-based approach for pathogen ID and AST that takes 2-5 days and has a 40% failure rate, patients with Sepsis are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to significant toxicity, higher rates of organ injury, increased risk of c. difficile infection, and contributing to the growth of the antibiotic resistance problem, globally.

By providing an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis within the first cycle of treatment, patients can get appropriate antibiotic therapy for systemic infections such as sepsis, reducing hospital treatment durations and costs.

At Day Zero Diagnostics we are passionate about our mission of modernizing infectious diseases diagnosis and treatment. Employees gain experience in a multidisciplinary and fast-paced start-up, and have ample opportunities to acquire new skills, engage with emerging technologies, work closely with our accomplished team, and communicate their results, all while working in a supportive and energetic environment.

JOB DUTIES:

• Receive and process specimens for DNA sequencing
• Conduct DNA sequencing bench workflows - library prep and DNA sequencer operation (Illumina and Oxford Nanopore)
• Work closely under the supervision of Director of Sequencing Technologies, and in coordination with other Genomic Sequencing Technicians, as well as Lab Research Associates, and Research Scientists from our other teams
• Ensure stringent quality control of equipment, reagents, and samples
• Maintain meticulous documentation of experimental procedures and outcomes and contribute to reports
• Maintain close communication with direct supervisor and members of the research teams you support
• Follow established laboratory protocols for research and clinical services

Qualifications required:

•  At least 1 year of laboratory experience outside of course work (during or after your degree program). Degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related disciplines preferred but not required.
• Desired: Direct prior experience conducting DNA sequencing. Experience with lab automation (liquid handling robotics). Familiarity and enthusiasm for bioinformatics, computational biology, programming languages, robotics, lab instrumentation, etc. are positives, but not requisites

This will be an engaging and rewarding role. It is imperative that you:

• Set objectives and plan work based on agreed outcomes  
• Meet deadlines and iteratively assess priorities to handle fluctuating workloads
• Work at exceptional levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and attention to safety
• Be flexible to occasionally work after hours when other alternatives aren't available
• Have excellent verbal, written, communication, organization, and time management skills

If this sounds like an opportunity well-suited to your background, interests, and aptitudes, please provide:

Your most recent resume or CV (including degree earned and GPA) 

A cover letter describing how you see the alignment between this position and your career

A minimum of 3 references we can contact should your candidacy progress to that stage