Organization: 

BGI Americas Corporations

BGI (formerly known as Beijing Genomics Institute) was founded in Beijing on Sept 9th, 1999 with the mission of supporting the development of science and technology, building strong research teams, and promoting the development of scientific partnership in genomics field.

With a goal toward excellence, high efficiency, and accuracy, BGI has successfully completed a large number of projects. These include sequencing 1% of the human genome for the International Human Genome Project, contributing 10% to the International Human HapMap Project, carrying out research to combat SARS, being a key player in the Sino-British Chicken Genome Project, and completely sequencing the rice genome, the silkworm genome, and, most recently, the first Asian diploid genome. Much of this research has been published in the top international academic journals Nature and Science, which witnessed the path of BGI from projects participation to leading the development of genomics. In conjunction with carrying out these projects, BGI has established its own technical platforms based on large-scale genome sequencing, efficient bioinformatics analyses, and innovative genetic health care initiatives. These distinguished achievements have made a great contribution to the development of genomics in both China and the world, and have established BGI as a world-class research institution. In the course of attaining these goals, BGI has undergone a historic breakthrough from the number one genomics institute in Asia to one of the leading genomics institutes in the world.

Throughout its short history, BGI has created an institutional structure that is characterized by systematization and innovation, institutional integration, technological platform development and product commercialization. This collaborative system, all of which is powered by the study of genomics, enables BGI to rapidly move from basic research to application.

On April 27th, 2010, BGI Americas was founded and set up its main office in Boston, MA, U.S.A. BGI America offers scientific and technological collaboration and services to all countries in North, Central, and South America, provides R&D in technology and product development, and seeks opportunities of cooperative projects in the fields of sequencing and bioinformatics.

BGI values our employees as we believe they are the driving force behind our successful performance.

Job Location: 

Boston, MA 02142

Salary: 

Competitive

Benefits: 

Full benefits including health, dental, 401k, Life insurance.

Job Description: 

Field Application Scientist.

The Field Application Specialist is a partner to the customer and sales team through scientific consultation in using next-generation sequencing systems for life science applications. The position is field based, with a FAS profit sharing plan based on the achievement of both personal and corporate goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the pre-sales process by demonstrating the technical advantages of BGI products to customers and field staff via seminars, Webex training and coordination of demonstrations to be run both locally and in other regions of US.
• Provide technical and applications assistance in response to customer inquiries by resolving queries quickly and expertly either over the phone, Email or by visiting a customer site.
• Work with R&D teams to continually improve the capabilities and workflows associated with next generation sequencing data to support use of the platform in general and in strategic application areas.
• Participate in weekly sales conference calls.
• Work with sales staff to ensure BGI provides excellent customer support for our Next Generation Sequencing platforms.
• Work with customers to fully understand Next Generation Sequencing technology and help define experimental protocols for Illumina, SOLiD and Roche 454; Third Generation Sequencing technology such as Ion Torrent, etc. Continuously update scientific knowledge for support of customers, sales and service on the leading edge of technology. Communicate effectively within team to enhance others knowledge.
• FAS is to consult on the scientific project scope definition with a key focus on what our works sites can deliver within current technical capabilities.  Pricing and discounting rules are a direct sales responsibility and our excluded from the FAS communication to clients.
• Provide quality check and data interpretation of the DNA, RNA samples, and bioinformatics analysis results.
• Coordinate as a primary liaison between the BGI gene sequencing scientists located in China and other BGI affiliated locations, and the company’s clients and collaborators in the US, for the assessment, development and implementation of scientific and technical solutions regarding the Company’s genomic sequencing services.

Job requirements FAS:

• Desired skill set:
  •  A technically savvy individual who can assess customer experimental needs and implement training and experimental approaches to ensure customer success.
  • A problem solver with proven ability to overcome technical hurdles.
  • Customer minded individual with the empathy to understand customer concerns.
  • Concise communicator with the ability to get to the critical few requirements that will address customer needs.
  • Team player who can effectively integrate internal and field based activities across functions to support customer requirements. Individual will also need to balance and prioritize the requirements of several internal and external stakeholders in an ever-changing environment.
• PHD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant and animal biology, bioinformatics or equivalent science degree.
• 2-3 years of previous laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Ability and willingness to travel at least 30%.
• Extensive experience in Microarray, Genotyping, Reagents and Next Generation Sequencing Services strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the market and customer needs within the Next Generation Sequencing industry.
• Excellent communications, analytical and organizational skills.
• Require American citizenship or with working permit in US.
• Excellent presentation skills for internal and external seminars is a requirement including the custom creation of slide decks.
• Valid US drivers license and car.

Contact Information: 

E-mail: honglin.zhao@bgiamericas.com