Quest Diagnostics

Lead Bioinformatics Engineer

Quest Diagnostics$130K — $160K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of industry experience in bioinformatics or related fields
  • Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or equivalent, Master’s preferred
  • Advanced proficiency in Python and Shell scripting
  • Hands-on experience with Nextflow or Snakemake workflows
  • Experience configuring AWS cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform or CloudFormation)
  • Strong expertise in CI/CD practices and Git version control
  • Proficiency in Docker and Singularity for containerization

Responsibilities

  • Architect and maintain scalable genomic pipelines for clinical NGS data
  • Develop and optimize complex workflow code using Nextflow or Snakemake
  • Implement containerization strategies to ensure environment isolation
  • Lead migration and deployment of pipelines on AWS cloud platforms
  • Drive adoption of modern SDLC practices, including CI/CD workflows
  • Profile and optimize cloud compute resources for efficiency
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate genomic pipelines into clinical systems
  • Author formal Software Validation Plans and execute thorough testing protocols

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage from Day 1 for full-time employees
  • Well-being programs and annual health assessment programs
  • Flexible vacation and health/flex time, including 6 holidays and 1 personal day
  • 401(k) with company match after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan and life/disability insurance
  • Education assistance for continued professional development
  • Career advancement opportunities and coaching services
Full Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION

Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 / year

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

 

Benefits Information:

We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

· Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours

· Best-in-class well-being programs

· Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®

· healthyMINDS mental health program

· Vacation and Health/Flex Time

· 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off

· FinFit financial coaching and services

· 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service

· Employee stock purchase plan

· Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option

· Flexible Spending Accounts

· Annual incentive plans

· Matching gifts program

· Education assistance through MyQuest for Education

· Career advancement opportunities

· and so much more!

 

The Senior Bioinformatics Pipeline Engineer will design, architect, optimize, and scale our clinical-grade Next-Generation Sequencing Bioinformatics workflows. 
As a senior technical contributor, you will bridge the gap between assay development, assay validation, and clinical informatics systems. You will lead the implementation of automated computational workflows that process massive genomic datasets, ensuring the rapid, accurate, and secure delivery of diagnostic insights. Operating within a regulated clinical laboratory environment, you will champion modern software engineering practices, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), containerization, and advanced cloud orchestration to ensure high reproducibility, robust security, and absolute compliance with CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, and FDA regulations.

 

This professional will work in a hybrid capacity out of one of the following offices:

Baltimore, MD
Secaucus, NJ
Marlborough, MA
Lewisville, TX


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Architect, implement, and maintain highly scalable genomic pipelines for processing high-throughput clinical NGS data (including Whole Genome, Whole Exome, Targeted Panels, RNA-Seq, Liquid Biopsy, and Somatic Variant Calling assays).
  • Develop, modularize, and optimize complex workflow code using Nextflow or Snakemake to orchestrate data processing from raw sequencer output to final clinical variant interpretation.
  • Design and implement containerization strategies (Docker, Singularity) to guarantee strict environment isolation, portability, and reproducibility across local HPC and cloud environments.
  • Lead the migration, deployment, and monitoring of pipelines on cloud platforms (AWS), utilizing services such as AWS Batch, ECS, S3, Step Functions, Lambda, and CloudWatch.
  • Drive the adoption of modern software development life cycle (SDLC) best practices, including Git branch strategies, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows, comprehensive automated unit/integration testing (pytest, linting), and structural code documentation.
  • Profile, benchmark, and optimize cloud compute resources to systematically reduce runtime, improve data throughput, and control operational cloud spend.
  • Collaborate closely with Molecular Pathologists, R&D Scientists, and Software Engineers to integrate genomic pipelines with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), local/cloud clinical databases (SQL/NoSQL), and electronic medical records via HL7/FHIR protocols.
  • Author and execute formal Software Validation Plans, Software Design Specifications, Test Cases, and Validation Summary Reports in accordance with Quest's internal Quality System and regulatory frameworks (CAP/CLIA, FDA, NYSDOH).
  • Establish automated regression testing frameworks, synthetic validation datasets, and benchmark controls to monitor pipeline precision, sensitivity, and clinical-grade accuracy.
  • Provide technical guidance, conduct rigorous peer code reviews, and mentor mid-level and junior bioinformatics engineers on the team.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

  • Python & Shell: Advanced proficiency in Python (including pandas, numpy, and testing libraries like pytest) and robust Bash/Shell scripting.
  • Workflow Management: Extensive hands-on experience designing and maintaining production-grade workflows using Nextflow (DSL2 preferred) or Snakemake in high-throughput environments.
  • Genomic Tools: Deep, working knowledge of NGS alignment, variant calling, and annotation suites (e.g., BWA, GATK, DeepVariant, Mutect2, VarDict, Ensembl VEP, SnpEff) and biological file formats (FASTQ, BAM, VCF, BED).
  • Cloud & DevOps: Demonstrated experience configuring and managing AWS cloud infrastructure (AWS Batch, EC2, S3, IAM, CloudWatch) using Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform or CloudFormation).
  • CI/CD & Git: Strong expertise in git version control, collaboration (branching patterns, pull requests), and automation via GitHub Actions or Jenkins.
  • Containerization: Proficiency with Docker and Singularity, including multi-stage builds and optimization.

Preferred Work Experience:  

  • Regulated Environments: 2+ years of experience working in a clinical genomics space adhering to CAP, CLIA, GxP, or FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
  • LIMS & Integration: Experience integrating pipeline outputs into clinical reporting engines, relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL), or NoSQL databases.
  • Databases: Working knowledge of clinical genomics databases (e.g., ClinVar, gnomAD, COSMIC, ClinGen).

 

Work Environment:

  • Hybrid work schedule

 

Travel required

Education

  • Required: Bachelor’s in bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field with 7+ years of professional industry experience.
  • Preferred: Master’s in bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field with 5+ years of professional industry experience with a strong track record of production-level pipeline development.

About Quest Diagnostics

Celera is a healthcare business that uses knowledge of human variability to provide new tests and services to personalize disease management. Their Products business develops and manufactures molecular diagnostic products that are used by hospitals and other clinical laboratories to detect, characterize, monitor and select treatment for disease. They have a distribution agreement with Abbott, through which they develop and commercialize a wide range of molecular diagnostic products, with Abbott serving as the distribution partner.

Quest Diagnostics Careers

Joining Quest Diagnostics means becoming part of a team committed to everyday excellence and innovation in health. As a leading provider of diagnostic insights, Quest Diagnostics offers unparalleled job opportunities in the medical and scientific sectors, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking growth and development in their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Quest Diagnostics, you will contribute to a culture that values integrity and accountability, where your work significantly impacts patient health and community well-being. Our diverse team of professionals leverages cutting-edge technology and data to lead advancements in diagnostics and healthcare solutions.

Explore Career Opportunities

Whether you're looking for a position in the lab, a leadership role, or a support function, Quest Diagnostics provides a breadth of opportunities. Our commitment to professional growth includes robust training programs and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that every employee can thrive professionally.

Innovate with Us

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of what we do. At Quest Diagnostics, your skills in science, technology, and beyond can help drive transformation in healthcare services. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your career path with Quest Diagnostics through our internship programs or full-time employment opportunities. We are committed to hiring talented individuals who are passionate about building a rewarding career in healthcare. Our internships provide a solid foundation in industry-specific skills and networking opportunities, setting the stage for a successful career.

Benefits and Culture

Quest Diagnostics is dedicated to fostering a workplace where diversity and inclusion are embedded in our DNA. From competitive benefits and wellness programs to diversity training and flexible work arrangements, we ensure our employees have what they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Leadership and Development

We believe in nurturing leadership skills at every level of the organization. Quest Diagnostics offers various leadership programs designed to help you grow as an influential professional. With continuous learning and development, you can expand your expertise and take on new challenges.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At Quest Diagnostics, we look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference. Explore the many facets of our business, from scientific research to client services, and find where you can make your mark.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, industry insights, and the latest innovations at Quest Diagnostics. Our careers blog offers valuable information to help you navigate your professional journey effectively.

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Learn more about Quest Diagnostics
Size
40,000 employees
Market Cap
$17.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.4 billion
Founded
1959
5 Year Trend
+7.5%
Revenue
$9.4 billion
NASDAQ

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