Bioinformatics Scientist

ABOUT US Zephyr is building an innovative AI platform to change the way we treat cancer and other chronic diseases. By aggregating massive data sets and harnessing advanced technologies and AI to increase our understanding of biology, Zephyr discovers insights that will transform how new therapies are developed and how we treat patients. We will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to live longer and healthier lives. Working in close partnership with industry-leading institutions across academia, biopharma, and care delivery, Zephyr is advancing our understanding of how to characterize and treat chronic diseases. With an initial focus on cancer, Zephyr is working to revolutionize drug development, reform clinical trials, and change healthcare to impact patient lives. Zephyr is based in Tysons Corner, VA, and currently operates as a remote-first organization. WE ARE HIRING A Bioinformatics Scientist We are seeking a talented and motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join our dynamic and growing team. As a key member of our bioinformatics group, you will play a critical role in developing and deploying the computational engines that power our industry-leading products. You will be responsible for designing, building, and optimizing robust bioinformatics pipelines for processing massive Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) datasets. You will apply rigorous statistical analyses and contribute to machine learning models that integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data. This is an opportunity to blend deep technical expertise with biological curiosity to make a tangible impact on cancer research and patient care. You'll work with an unparalleled collection of proprietary and public data, collaborating with a world-class team of scientists and engineers to solve some of the most challenging problems in oncology. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Design, build, and maintain robust, scalable bioinformatics pipelines for processing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-seq, ctDNA/liquid biopsy). • Perform rigorous quality control and statistical analysis of high-throughput biological data to ensure data integrity and generate actionable insights. • Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and real-world clinical data (EHR, claims) to provide actionable biological insights. • Write clean, well-documented, and production-ready Python code, leveraging modern workflow orchestration tools like Dagster and/or Nextflow. • Collaborate closely with computational biologists and machine learning scientists to prepare datasets for model training. Clearly communicate complex computational results and biological insights to colleagues with diverse scientific backgrounds. COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES • Strategic & Analytical Mindset: You synthesize complex genomic data to answer key scientific questions, aligning your work with broader organizational goals and understanding its business implications. • Proactive & Organized Execution: You demonstrate a commitment to quality and accuracy, proactively planning and prioritizing work to efficiently manage projects and deliver results. • Collaborative Communicator: You clearly articulate complex scientific concepts and listen effectively, fostering collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, or a related quantitative field. (Exceptional candidates with an M.S. or B.S. and relevant industry experience will also be considered). • Deep expertise in NGS data analysis, including a strong understanding of standard tools (e.g., BWA, STAR, GATK, SAMtools) and algorithms for variant calling, expression quantification, and quality control. • Proficiency in Python and its scientific computing ecosystem (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn). • Experience in precision oncology, immuno-oncology, liquid biopsy analysis (ctDNA, MRD), or AI-driven drug discovery. • Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. • A collaborative, problem-solving mindset and excellent communication skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Machine Learning: Experience with or a strong understanding of machine learning concepts and their application to biological data. • Pipeline & Workflow Orchestration: Proven experience building and managing production-grade bioinformatics pipelines using workflow managers such as Dagster and Nextflow. • Public Datasets: Hands-on experience with large-scale public cancer genomics datasets (e.g., TCGA, GENIE, DepMap). • Publication Record: A track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields. • Software Engineering Practices: Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control (Git), containerization (Docker/Singularity), and bolthires/CD principles. • Cloud Computing: Experience with cloud computing environments (AWS or Azure) and services. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position will not have direct supervisory responsibilities. POSITION TYPE This is an exempt position reporting to the Head of Bioinformatics. OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are exemplificative and not exhaustive and may change at any time with or without notice at the Company’s sole discretion. WHAT WE OFFER • We offer competitive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits package including: • United Healthcare PPO, HMO, and HDHP plans > 100% company paid for you + family • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) > 4 carriers, 100% company paid for you + family • Vision > 2 carriers, 100% company paid for you + family • Health Savings Account ( HSA) + Flexible Spending Account (FSA) • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance > 100% company paid • Voluntary benefits: short term and long term disability, supplemental AD&D, supplemental life, pet insurance • Paid maternity and paternity leave • Flexible paid time off • 15 Paid holidays • 401(k) program • Work from home + cell phone/internet reimbursement • Unlimited 1:1 tax advisory sessions with our equity management team • Employee referral bonus • Employee assistance program (EAP) • Opportunities for advancement We are an equal opportunity employer Zephyr AI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 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