Senior Staff Bioinformatics Scientist

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know Or all of humanity

At Illumina we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person in every role has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people inspiring leaders and world changing projects you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

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 Bachelors degree; or 8 years and a Masters 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: $170600 - $255800. 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 longterm 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.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation Illumina has always prioritized openness collaboration and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay regardless of gender ethnicity or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences increase cultural awareness and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex race creed color gender religion marital status domestic partner status age national origin or ancestry physical or mental disability medical condition sexual orientation pregnancy military or veteran status citizenship status and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local state and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local state and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process please contact To learn more visit: The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.