DIRECTOR, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGYSUMMARY:We are seeking an exceptional computational biologist to lead target identification and multi-omics research efforts. In this role, you will drive the use of high-throughput, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and functional genomics data to identify and prioritize novel therapeutic targets. You will bring a strategic, industry-wide perspective on the field - staying ahead of where it is moving and translating that into a differentiated approach which will align with Ionis's RNA-targeting and oligonucleotide platforms. You will lead a team of computational biologists, shape analytical strategy, and partner tightly with biology, human genetics, and drug discovery colleagues to bring forward the next wave of therapeutic targets.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead the development of a target identification and prioritization pipeline using multi-omics data (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, chromatin conformation, and functional genomics - e.g. CRISPR screens).
- Define internal standards for validation of target discovery methods, including benchmarking against orthogonal datasets.
- Apply rigorous model-to-human translation, evaluating cross-species conservation, model fidelity, and translational risk when nominating and de-risking targets.
- Partner with the Human Genetics group to integrate genetic evidence into target identification and prioritization.
- Propose targets with clear mechanistic hypotheses, building evidence packages that draw on orthogonal data and analyses.
- Assess data quality, batch effects, and biological confounders throughout the analytical cycle - statistical rigor and reproducibility are paramount.
- Develop and maintain scalable, reproducible analytical pipelines, including human-in-the-loop-AI workflow as required. Use best practices in software engineering and ensure appropriate data governance and infrastructure for large-scale omics data.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional target assessment documents and portfolio decision-making meetings with clear, evidence-based scientific recommendations.
- Lead a team of computational biologists fostering a culture of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and continuous learning.
- Maintain working knowledge of the current literature on computational biology and stay current with novel methodologies, including applicable advances in AI.
REQUIREMENTS:- PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, systems biology, or a closely related quantitative field and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
- Proven experience in target identification and validation using multi-omics approaches in a pharma or biotech.
- Experience in multi-omics analyses and integration (including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq - bulk, single cell - spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, ChIP-seq and similar, long read RNA-seq, small RNA-seq, and functional genomics perturbation screens).
- Methodological breadth across comp-bio modeling spectrum - classical and hierarchical statistics, causal inference, Bayesian modeling, network-based and mechanistic approaches, and modern deep learning - with hands-on depth in biological foundation models (fine-tuning, interpretability, efficient deployment) and the judgment to match method to biological question and data.
- Proficiency in Python and/or R, plus working knowledge of Bash and Docker is required, proficiency or familiarity with Nextflow workflows and AWS cloud stack strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of human genetic analyses methods (e.g. GWAS, rare variant analyses, QTL colocalization etc.) is preferred.
- Experience directly managing PhD-level scientists is required.
- Excellent communication skills across audiences, with a track record of influencing cross-functional teams (including non-computational partners) and translating complex computational findings into clear, actionable recommendations that inform senior leadership on portfolio and target decisions.
Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS004015
Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details:
Ionis BenefitsFull Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly%20competitive%20benefits
The pay scale for this position is $200,385 to $250,332
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.
