Staff Bioinformatics Scientist -- Oncology/MRD Algorithm Development
Illumina
Summary
We are a multi-disciplinary and multinational team focused in using next-generation sequencing technology to transform human health and save patient's lives. Our team works at the interface of research and clinical practice developing and improving innovative algorithms to biomarkers and variants that fill gaps in clinical practice, focusing primarily on oncology. We collaborate deeply with internal and external teams, to augment DRAGEN, Illumina's software platform to analyze high-throughput sequencing data, remove barriers for its use in clinical settings, and develop new biomarkers in areas such as MRD and methylation.
Job description
The Staff Bioinformatics Scientist will drive the development of algorithms for detecting minimal residual disease in ctDNA samples using signals from small variant calling, copy number calling, fragmentomics, and methylation. This role will also assist in improving algorithms for therapy selection across a range of variant types and biomarkers.
Responsibilities
- Prototype novel NGS algorithms for clinical oncology use cases such as MRD
- Assess and improve existing secondary analysis algorithms for variant and biomarker detection
- In collaboration with external and internal experimental teams, design and analyze experiments to support existing or new Illumina oncology assays.
- Provide technical guidance to internal and external collaborators.
- Participate in cross functional assay and algorithm R&D teams with minimal oversight.
- Effectively communicate plans and results across functions
Requirements
- PhD in bioinformatics, computation biology, statistics, math or related field with 3+ years industry experience
- Fluency in at least two of statistics, common bioinformatics methods NGS analysis, and oncology.
- Proven track-record with developing bioinformatics NGS algorithms beyond leveraging already existing tools.
- Fluency in programming languages such as Python. Experience with C++ is desired
- Good communication skills to contribute to cross functional project teams and work with stakeholders.
Requirements
- PhD in bioinformatics, computation biology, statistics, math or related field with 3+ years industry experience
- Fluency in at least two of statistics, common bioinformatics methods NGS analysis, and oncology.
- Proven track-record with developing bioinformatics NGS algorithms beyond leveraging already existing tools.
- Fluency in programming languages such as Python. Experience with C++ is desired
- Good communication skills to contribute to cross functional project teams and work with stakeholders.
Benefits
- Genomics Sequencing Access
- Family Planning Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Bonus or Commission
- Equity
Company overview
Illumina is a global leader in genomics technology, founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Diego, California. As a pioneering biotechnology company, Illumina specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing integrated systems for genetic analysis, with a primary focus on DNA sequencing and array-based technologies. The company's mission is to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome, serving customers across research, clinical, and applied markets worldwide. Illumina's innovative platforms, including the NovaSeq, HiSeq, MiSeq, and NextSeq series, have revolutionized genomic research and clinical applications, enabling breakthroughs in personalized medicine, disease research, and drug development. With over 9,000 employees across 27 countries, Illumina has established itself as the dominant force in next-generation sequencing, processing more than 90% of all DNA sequencing data globally. The company's technologies support diverse applications from cancer research and rare disease diagnosis to agricultural genomics and infectious disease surveillance, making genomic insights accessible to researchers and clinicians worldwide.