NGS Operations & Process Excellence Scientist

NGS Operations & Process Excellence Scientist

Location: Bengaluru, India

Experience: 1–3 years post-PhD experience

Qualification: PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or a related discipline

About Sugarstrings

We are a genomics and molecular biology services company providing next-generation sequencing (NGS), genomic data analysis, and research services to customers across diverse application areas. With established sequencing infrastructure and in-house bioinformatics capabilities, We aim to strengthen operational efficiency, improve service quality, standardize workflows, and scale its NGS services business.

Role Overview

We are seeking a technically strong, process-oriented PhD professional to streamline and optimize NGS services operations.

The individual will work across laboratory operations, sequencing workflows, bioinformatics, quality control, and customer deliverables to identify inefficiencies, establish standardized processes, resolve recurring technical issues, and improve operational performance.

This is a hands-on, cross-functional role suited to someone who combines scientific depth with analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and a strong execution mindset.

The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of process improvement initiatives and translate technical insights into measurable improvements in turnaround time, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities1. NGS Workflow Optimization

• Map and evaluate end-to-end NGS workflows, from sample receipt and nucleic acid extraction through QC, library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics, and final data delivery.
• Identify bottlenecks, redundant activities, process variations, and sources of delays or rework.
• Standardize workflows across relevant sequencing applications and sample types.
• Improve sequencing run planning, batching, instrument utilization, and sample throughput.
• Troubleshoot recurring wet-lab and sequencing-related issues in collaboration with laboratory teams.2. Process Standardization and Quality
• Develop, review, and implement SOPs, work instructions, QC checkpoints, and troubleshooting guides.
• Establish process controls and acceptance criteria at critical stages of the NGS workflow.
• Investigate deviations, failed runs, poor-quality libraries, contamination, and other recurring operational issues.
• Implement root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions.
• Strengthen documentation, traceability, reproducibility, and compliance with applicable quality requirements.3. Bioinformatics and Data Delivery Coordination
• Work closely with the bioinformatics team to optimize the transition from sequencing output to validated data deliverables.
• Review relevant sequencing QC metrics, including read quality, depth, coverage, mapping rates, and duplication, as applicable to the assay.
• Identify causes of data-quality failures and coordinate corrective action across laboratory and computational workflows.
• Standardize analysis pipelines, QC reporting, data-handling procedures, and delivery checklists in collaboration with bioinformatics specialists.
• Reduce delays between sequencing completion, data analysis, QC review, and customer delivery.4. Operational Analytics and Performance Monitoring
• Establish dashboards and metrics to monitor sample throughput, turnaround time (TAT), first-pass success rate, failure and repeat rates, sequencing utilization, and backlog.
• Analyze historical operational data to identify recurring inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Track process performance and implement data-driven interventions.
• Maintain visibility into sample status, pending activities, delays, and delivery commitments.
• Present periodic operational reviews and improvement recommendations to management.5. Cost and Productivity Improvement
• Evaluate reagent consumption, library preparation efficiency, repeat sequencing, sample batching, and other drivers of cost per sample.
• Identify opportunities to reduce avoidable consumable usage, rework, failed runs, and idle instrument time without compromising quality.
• Support capacity planning, resource allocation, and improved utilization of laboratory infrastructure.
• Work with laboratory, bioinformatics, procurement, and business teams to implement cost-saving initiatives.6. Cross-functional Execution
• Coordinate with wet-lab scientists, sequencing operators, bioinformatics analysts, quality personnel, and project or customer-facing teams.
• Convert customer requirements into clearly defined technical and operational workflows.
• Support the onboarding of new assays, service offerings, and customer projects.
• Ensure that operational issues are resolved systematically rather than through repeated ad hoc interventions.
• Drive assigned improvement projects from problem identification through implementation and verification of results.Required Qualifications and Experience
• PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant post-PhD experience in an NGS laboratory, genomics service provider, sequencing facility, molecular diagnostics laboratory, or a related genomics environment.
• Practical understanding of NGS workflows, including sample QC, library preparation, sequencing, and sequencing QC metrics.
• Familiarity with one or more sequencing platforms, such as Illumina systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting technical issues and investigating process failures.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret operational and technical data.
• Demonstrated ability to document processes, develop SOPs, and implement workflow improvements.
• Proficiency in Excel or equivalent tools for data analysis and operational reporting.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing requirements, and drive initiatives to completion.Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in a commercial NGS services or contract research organization (CRO) environment.
• Exposure to whole-exome sequencing (WES), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing, targeted sequencing, or other high-throughput sequencing applications.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics workflows, Linux, Python, R, or workflow automation tools.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), sample tracking, or laboratory workflow automation.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and other relevant quality frameworks.
• Experience in process improvement methodologies and structured problem-solving.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be assessed against agreed baseline measurements and improvement targets, including:

• Reduction in end-to-end NGS turnaround time.
• Improvement in first-pass success rate and reduction in repeat runs.
• Improvement in sequencing output consistency and laboratory capacity utilization.
• Reduction in avoidable cost per sample.
• Improvement in adherence to SOPs and process QC checkpoints.
• Reduction in pending samples, workflow bottlenecks, and delayed customer deliverables.
• Successful implementation of standardized workflows, dashboards, and documented process improvements.What Success Looks Like

Within the first six months, the individual should be able to:

• Map the existing end-to-end NGS service workflow and establish baseline operational metrics.
• Identify and prioritize the major bottlenecks affecting turnaround time, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Implement measurable improvements in at least two or three high-impact operational areas.
• Establish a practical system for tracking sample progress, workflow performance, and delivery timelines.
• Reduce recurring technical failures and operational inefficiencies through documented corrective actions.
• Create a more predictable, standardized, and scalable operating model for Clevergene's NGS services business.Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a scientifically rigorous, execution-oriented professional who enjoys solving operational problems as much as solving scientific ones.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across laboratory and computational teams, questioning inefficient processes, analyzing data, and implementing practical solutions. This role requires ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to convert technical expertise into measurable business outcomes.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to building a more efficient, scalable, and quality-driven genomics services operation.