Principal Bioinformatics Scientist

Job Advert: Lead Bioinformatics Scientist

Job Title: Lead Bioinformatics Scientist

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: $180,000–$200,000 USD per year bonus

Role Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid role)

Visa Requirements: No sponsorship provided.

The Company

Our client is an emerging leader within biotechnology, headquartered in the vibrant tech hub of Chicago, Illinois. Their mission is to empower scientists worldwide by accelerating biotech research through innovative DNA sequencing and analysis tools. Every day, thousands of innovators—including Nobel Prize winners, biotech startups, and research labs—rely on their solutions to drive world-changing discoveries in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond. In 2024, they saved researchers 2 million hours, transforming their productivity. Join their dynamic, collaborative team to shape the future of science.

Role And Responsibilities

As the Lead Bioinformatics Scientist, you’ll lead the charge in building cutting-edge bioinformatics workflows that power faster, smarter science. Collaborating with a passionate team of scientists, bioinformaticians, and software engineers, you’ll drive innovation and mentor others in a creative, high-impact environment. Your key responsibilities include:

• Designing and optimizing high-performance bioinformatics pipelines for processing thousands of daily samples, leveraging tools like Snakemake and cloud deployments.
• Innovating sequence analysis workflows for bulk/single-cell RNAseq, differential gene expression, and large-scale genomics, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.
• Troubleshooting complex sequencing data challenges, from biological artifacts to platform-specific issues, to ensure reliable outputs.
• Developing intuitive web tools (e.g., Streamlit, R Shiny) and data visualizations to transform raw bioinformatics data into actionable insights.
• Providing thought leadership and mentoring junior team members, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Staying ahead of industry trends, integrating emerging bioinformatics tools to enhance our offerings for biopharma and research clients.
  
  
  

Job Requirements:

• Education and Experience: PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field, with 8 years of experience developing production-level bioinformatics pipelines.
• Required Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in analyzing bulk/single-cell RNAseq data and performing differential gene expression using state-of-the-art tools.
• Significant experience building production-level Snakemake (or Nextflow) pipelines, with local and cloud-based deployments.
• Strong knowledge of sequence analysis (alignment, assembly) and molecular biology, with experience in Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing.
• Proficiency in Python (numpy, pandas, Jupyter, Biopython) and package management (e.g., Conda).
• Hands-on experience with Docker, Apptainer, or Singularity for containerized workflows.
• Expertise in Git/GitHub and Linux shell scripting for version control and automation.
• Proficiency in developing intuitive web tools for bioinformatics reporting (e.g., R Shiny, Streamlit).
• Familiarity with public genomic data repositories (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl) and large-scale genomic data processing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to write clean, maintainable, production-ready code.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  
  

Accessibility Statement:

• Experience with compiled languages (C , Rust) for performant software development.
• 1 year of molecular biology wet lab experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop novel bioinformatics algorithms.
• Strong interest in creating intuitive data visualizations for scientific insights.
• Benefits:
• Competitive Compensation: Highly competitive remuneration.
• Generous Time Off: 4 weeks paid time off 10 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus life insurance and mental health coverage.
• Retirement and Wellness: 401(k) with matching, Health Advocate services, and gym membership.
• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to accelerating biotech research, supporting novel therapies and sustainability.
• Innovative Environment: Work with cutting-edge tools (e.g., Snakemake, Streamlit, AWS) and collaborate with top-tier researchers.
• Supportive Culture: Join a passionate, inclusive team that values creativity, mentorship, and professional growth.
  
  
  

Read and apply for this role in the way that works for you by using our Recite Me assistive technology tool. Click the circle at the bottom right side of the screen and select your preferences. We make an active choice to be inclusive towards everyone every day. Please let us know if you require any accessibility adjustments through the application or interview process.

Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion

Our mission is to empower every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, with an equitable chance to achieve the careers they deserve. Building a diverse future, one placement at a time.

Check out our DE&I page here