[Hiring] Senior Staff Bioinformatics Scientist @Illumina

Role Description

We are seeking a Sr. Staff Bioinformatics Scientist with deep expertise in transcriptomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics software development to help advance the next generation of DRAGEN analysis solutions. The successful candidate will combine biological insight with strong algorithmic, statistical, and software engineering skills, and will provide technical leadership and product development experience across multiple product cycles.

• Lead development of novel algorithms and analytical methods for RNA and multiomic sequencing applications.
• Design, evaluate, and implement scalable bioinformatics workflows for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell sequencing, CRISPR/Perturb-seq analysis, ATAC-seq, CROP-seq, and emerging multiomic assays.
• Apply machine learning, AI-based methods, foundation models, LLM-enabled workflows, and biological foundation models to accelerate method development, validation, interpretation, and product innovation.
• Develop production-quality software solutions in collaboration with bioinformatics scientists, software engineers, FPGA engineers, assay development teams, and product teams.
• Lead technical projects, define requirements, influence product direction, evaluate risks, and drive innovation across multiple product cycles.
• Mentor scientists and engineers and contribute to scientific and technical leadership within the organization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities for new features, products, analytical capabilities, and intellectual property.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Biology, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Significant experience developing bioinformatics algorithms, analytical methods, and production software for NGS applications.
• Strong background in transcriptomics, statistical modeling, and biological data analysis.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, or similar.
• Experience designing, validating, benchmarking, and interpreting computational methods for complex biological datasets.
• Experience applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, or modern data science techniques to biological data analysis, method development, or software validation.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to independently drive complex projects from concept to product delivery.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and technical strategy.
• Track record of innovation through publications, patents, invention disclosures, open-source contributions, or commercial product development.

Requirements

• Experience with bulk RNA-seq, gene expression analysis, alternative splicing, gene fusion detection, and RNA biomarker development.
• Experience with single-cell genomics and transcriptomics workflows.
• Experience with CRISPR/Perturb-seq analysis, CROP-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, CROP-seq, or other multiomic assays.
• Experience developing, evaluating, or deploying machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, large language model (LLM), or biological foundation model approaches for genomics applications.
• Experience using AI-assisted software development and scientific analysis tools to accelerate method development, testing, validation, or interpretation.
• Experience with cloud computing, distributed computing, or large-scale genomic data processing.
• Knowledge of oncology, clinical genomics, population genomics, translational research, or biotechnology product development.

Benefits

• Estimated base salary range: $170,600 - $255,800.
• Eligibility for variable cash programs (bonus or commission).
• Potential equity as part of the compensation package.
• Access to genomics sequencing.
• Family planning benefits.
• Health/dental/vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.