Illumina Inc

Senior Staff Bioinformatics Scientist

Illumina Inc$170K — $255K *
US-AnywhereRemote in San Diego, CA
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive experience in developing bioinformatics algorithms and production software for NGS.
  • Solid background in transcriptomics and biological data analysis.
  • Proficient in programming languages like C++ or Python.
  • Experience in designing and interpreting computational methods for complex datasets.
  • Familiarity with machine learning and AI techniques in biological analysis.
  • Track record of technical leadership and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of novel algorithms for RNA sequencing and multiomic applications.
  • Design and implement scalable workflows for various RNA-seq and multiomic technologies.
  • Apply machine learning and AI methods to enhance method development and product innovation.
  • Collaborate with experts to develop production-quality bioinformatics software.
  • Manage technical projects and influence product direction and innovation.
  • Mentor team members and foster scientific leadership within the organization.
  • Identify opportunities for new technologies and products in bioinformatics.

Benefits

  • Access to genomics sequencing services.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement benefits.
  • Generous paid time off policy.
  • Family planning assistance.
Full Job Description
The DRAGEN Bioinformatics team develops industry-leading secondary analysis solutions for DNA and RNA NGS applications used by researchers and clinicians worldwide. Our team builds high-performance, scalable algorithms and software for transcriptomics, oncology, population genomics, and multiomic analysis. We leverage advanced computational methods, machine learning, artificial intelligence, foundation models, and cloud technologies to transform genomic data into actionable insights.

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.

Responsibilities
  • 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.


Required 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.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.


Experience/Education:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years of experience; or equivalent experience.


#LI-REMOTE

The estimated base salary range for the Senior Staff Bioinformatics Scientist role based in the United States of America is: $170,600 - $255,800. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long-term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

About Illumina Inc

Illumina, Inc. is an American company incorporated in April 1998 that develops, manufactures and markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. The company provides a line of products and services that serves the sequencing, genotyping and gene expression markets. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Illumina Inc
Size
9,800 employees
Market Cap
$30.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$656 million
Founded
1998
5 Year Trend
+13.5%
Revenue
$3.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Illumina Inc

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Senior Staff Bioinformatics Scientist jobs: