Senior Research Associate- NGS

Reporting to a Senior Scientist on the team, you will participate in the design and development of genomics sample prep applications. Volta is building a suite of genomics applications for its disruptive digital fluidics sample prep automation platform. We are seeking an energetic, detail-oriented and collaborative individual with a desire to learn and participate in product development in an industry setting. Beyond executing established protocols, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys tinkering-asking why things work the way they do, experimenting thoughtfully, and improving workflows from first principles. You’ll encounter day-to-day experimental and operational challenges where curiosity, creativity, and practical problem-solving matter as much as prior experience.

Day 1 to Year 1

• Execute experiments following good laboratory practice and standard protocols
• Thoroughly document all procedures, data and observations in an electronic lab notebook
• Summarize, present and discuss findings in team meetings
• Actively participate in experimental design, data analysis, and report writing
• Proactively identify inefficiencies, experimental bottlenecks, or recurring issues in lab workflows and propose practical improvements
• Use available tools (including scripting, spreadsheets, or AI-assisted workflows) to automate repetitive tasks, improve data handling, and increase experimental efficiency
• Assist with reagent ordering, inventory, equipment maintenance and general laboratory dutiesMaintain a clean work area and equipment in proper working order

Within the first 3 months, you’ll…

• Ramp up on the Callisto platform, associated genomics workflows, and internal tools.
• Learn and execute core sample prep, library prep, QC, and NGS applications under guidance from senior team members.
• Become comfortable with lab standards, documentation practices, and data analysis workflows.
• Begin contributing to experiments, troubleshooting efforts, and workflow optimization discussions.
• Shadow more experienced team members during experimental design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, or internal demos

Within 6 months you’ll…

• Independently execute and troubleshoot experiments across one or more applications.
• Contribute meaningfully to workflow optimization efforts by identifying bottlenecks, proposing improvements, and validating changes experimentally.
• Use scripting, spreadsheets, or AI-assisted tools to streamline repetitive tasks, data handling, or documentation workflows.
• Help create and refine internal protocols, setup guides, and experimental documentation to improve reproducibility and team efficiency.
• Confidently present data, insights, and recommendations in team meetings and cross-functional discussions.

At 12+ months you’ll…

• Operate as a trusted technical contributor within the Applications team, owning experiments or sub-workflows end-to-end.
• Serve as a go-to resource for specific assays, workflows, or troubleshooting areas.
• Help establish best practices for experimental execution, documentation, and workflow optimization.
• Mentor newer team members through onboarding, experimental execution, or problem-solving approaches.
• Continue improving how work gets done-whether through better experiments, clearer documentation, or smarter use of tools