Lead Bioinformatics Scientist, NGS
Profluent is seeking an experienced computational scientist to lead the design, development, and operation of the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis platform that supports its gene editing and protein design programs. This role involves working at the intersection of computational biology, software engineering, and experimental biology to build scalable systems that extract clear, actionable insights from large-scale sequencing data. The successful candidate will architect core bioinformatics infrastructure, define analytical strategies, and collaborate closely with experimental and machine learning teams to accelerate design-build-test-learn cycles. Additionally, the role includes mentoring team members, promoting software engineering best practices, and shaping the future of Profluent's computational biology capabilities.
Key responsibilities include leading the design and implementation of scalable NGS analysis pipelines supporting gene editing and protein engineering workflows. The role also involves developing clear, intuitive visualizations and reports to communicate sequencing results and biological insights. Managing cloud-based compute environments and data systems for large-scale datasets is essential. The candidate will partner with biology teams to analyze results, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental design, as well as collaborate with machine learning teams to curate data for model training. Establishing best practices for code review, testing, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) in computational workflows, and mentoring junior scientists to foster a culture of rigor, reproducibility, and innovation are also key aspects of the role.
The ideal candidate will possess a PhD or MS in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field, along with over five years of experience analyzing NGS datasets, such as amplicon sequencing, high-throughput editing, or screening experiments. Strong programming skills in Python, including proficiency with libraries like pandas, numpy, and biopython, are required. Expertise with workflow orchestration tools like Nextflow or Snakemake, and experience with cloud environments such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Amazon Web Services (AWS) are essential. The candidate should have experience with containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes and scalable compute infrastructure. A deep understanding of Linux, git-based version control, and software engineering best practices is necessary, along with a proven ability to transform complex sequencing data into actionable biological insights.
Profluent offers a high-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design. The compensation package is competitive and includes equity participation. Comprehensive benefits are provided, including health, dental, and vision insurance. The company has a generous paid time off policy and is committed to work-life balance. Professional development opportunities are available in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology.
Profluent fosters a collaborative and innovative company culture, emphasizing rigor, reproducibility, and innovation. Employees have the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI-driven protein design, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in biomedicine. The company supports career growth through mentorship and professional development, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about computational biology and its applications in gene editing and protein engineering.