Job Description

TITLE: Bioinformatics Scientist, Biochemistry and Genomic Technology

REPORTS TO: Bioinformatics Manager

CAREER LEVEL: Scientist II or III (senior)

STATUS: Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

TwinStrand Biosciences is a Seattle-based genomics company focused on developing cutting edge approaches for early detection of cancer, treatment optimization, and risk prediction using our ultra-accurate Duplex Sequencing Technology. We are seeking a highly motivated BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST to join a fast-paced, collaborative, and creative team.

You may be an exceptional fit for our team if you are a creative and curious individual who is excited to transform complex NGS data from biochemical optimization experiments into actionable insights that drive the development of Duplex Sequencing assays with the goal of rapidly and effectively improving human health. You will be challenged to meet a substantial breadth of computational needs in a young and rapidly growing genomics company. You will be afforded significant autonomy as we want you to feel comfortable owning projects at TwinStrand and growing in your role here.

As a BIOCHEMISTRY AND GENOMIC TECHNOLOGY BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST in our Computational Biology Department, you will be key to the continuous development of cutting-edge Duplex Sequencing Technology products. You will leverage your experience of bioinformatics, statistical analysis, experimental design, and molecular biology while working in a translational role alongside scientists in our Biochemistry and Genomic Technology Group to analyze and interpret datasets that drive the design and optimization of our assays. You will devise analytical methods and build new tools that facilitate biochemical optimization of our core products and technologies.  You will also support the custom experimental design of client studies and large consortium collaborations as needed.

At TwinStrand, you will become an expert in many skills beyond those that are absolutely required for the core role of BIOCHEMISTRY AND GENOMIC TECHNOLOGY BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST because we encourage translational skill building, diverse teams, and intense scientific collaboration. You are the ideal candidate if you have a creative mindset, proven abilities collaborating in a team environment, excellent data communication skills, and a love for working within a high-performance group.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply your knowledge of bioinformatics, statistical analysis, molecular biology and experimental design to assist and guide the development and optimization of TwinStrand Duplex Sequencing core products.
• Work with scientists in our Biochemistry and Genomic Technology Group to translate molecular biology NGS data into quantifiable metrics, or actionable data models, and provide other analysis and biological insights derived from experimental data.
• Perform analysis of Duplex Sequencing data which includes quality control, data tidying, hypothesis testing, interpretation, and subsequent graphical presentation using our own internal software toolkits as well as open-source methods.
• Develop analytical tools and methods that generate insights from past experiments and facilitate assay development, including statistical analysis or in-silico simulations.
• Effectively communicate analysis results to all stakeholders across teams. Generate and present data reports for the team that translate complex ideas into relevant and intuitive explanations.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all analysis to ensure excellent reproducibility.
• Collaborate with other teams at TwinStrand on topics that include software engineering, assay development, project outcomes, and product features.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

• A creative problem solver who is resourceful and innovative
• Excellent professional and scientific communication skills
• Skilled at high-quality scientific programming applied to biological topics
• Internally driven to dig deeply through various data types to seek answers, gain insights from unexpected findings, and question assumptions
• Familiar with the current landscape of bioinformatics tools and data formats in NGS
• Expert in at least one programming language with proficiency in others. Ideally strong ability to write in both Python and R
• Thorough in your code documentation and strong reproducible record-keeping using version control practices and tools like Git
• Knowledgeable in statistical methods and their application to genomics
• Self-directed and takes on challenges yet are comfortable asking for help when needed
• Strong interpersonal skills with a history of success working in cross-functional teams
• A person who understands our niche in biotechnology and has at least 3 years of experience in bioinformatics, computational genomics, or a related field

PHYSICAL AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional travel to conferences
• Remote work is available, although visa sponsorship may not be

OUTSTANDING CANDIDATES WILL

• Have a M.Sc. or Ph.D. in bioinformatics, molecular biology, computer science, engineering, or related field
• Awareness of biochemical reactions and DNA-modifying enzymes that are commonly used in NGS library preparation
• Have demonstrated experience in developing methods for analysis of experimental data in genomics and next-generation sequencing within the context of bimolecular assay development
• Have a deep understanding of library preparation methods used to generate next-generation sequencing data
• Have a deep understanding of oligo design and the mechanism of different sequencers
• Have a proven track record of scientific achievement which may include a publication record, history of success in scientific grant writing, history of invited presentations, or relevant patent filings
• Have experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry from previous roles
• Be able to work with any one of the popular cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization technologies, common workflow languages and tools, as well as data tidying and data storage best-practices

WHAT WE OFFER

• A mission to be proud of. You will help to provide access to a technology with unprecedented sensitivity that makes it possible to solve previously unsolvable scientific problems in basic research and translational medicine, with direct and immediate benefits to human health
• Beautiful new waterfront facility overlooking Puget Sound, centrally located in downtown Seattle
• Competitive compensation plan
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and dependents, sponsored life, short and long-term disability insurance, and 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Subsidized transportation program: parking, bus, ferry, rideshare and more
• Onsite gym, showers, bike storage
• Social events, weekly happy hours, well-stocked kitchen
• Recognition that outside life exists and is important, that flexibility is needed for family and that work can sometimes be effectively carried out remotely
• Casual, but high-performing work environment