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 while positively impacting patient outcomes.
At DZD, 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.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform and assist with sample processing toward diagnostic workflows
Strictly follow all lab procedures for specimen handling, processing, and reporting
Maintain meticulous documentation of experimental outcomes and observations
Work closely with Research Scientists and Associates, and maintain close communication with direct supervisor
Repetitive workflows are a frequent occurrence
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or microbiology; OR Associates degree with minimum of 1 year of lab experience in a research setting or clinical laboratory
Experience with laboratory methods/techniques associated with molecular and microbiology, including culture and quantification of microorganisms, media/buffer preparation, DNA isolation, PCR/qPCR
Handle a high volume of sample processing to meet deadlines
Flexibility to work after hours on occasion
Work at high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
Meet deadlines and assess priorities to handle fluctuating workloads
Comfortable working with productivity tools in Google Suite, Microsoft office (e.g. spreadsheet programs).
Desired Qualifications: Direct prior experience conducting DNA sequencing library preps and sequencer operation. Experience with lab automation (liquid handling robotics). Familiarity with basic principles of bioinformatics, computational biology, and programming languages is a plus but not required. Any experience with basic command line is a benefit, but not required.