Staff Scientist, Machine Learning – Genomics

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead investigations into machine learning and deep learning models utilizing NGS data.

• Define problems, select methodologies, and assess when models warrant additional investment.

• Develop, construct, and evaluate models and features for Women's Health and Organ Health products.

• Employ statistical learning and deep learning techniques on high-dimensional, noisy, often limited-sample sequencing data.

• Work directly with sequencing pipelines and outputs; identify issues throughout the processing steps and distinguish between pipeline, data, and biological problems.

• Create or enhance pipeline components when necessary.

• Collaborate with molecular biology and assay development scientists to design experiments, establish data and control parameters, and troubleshoot experimental processes.

• Implement stringent validation, performance assessment, leakage prevention, and documentation practices.

• Contribute to Natera's intellectual property portfolio via invention disclosures and patent applications.

• Participate in scientific publications and presentations as appropriate.

• Mentor data scientists and bioinformaticians, review their work, and provide technical guidance.

• Utilize AI tools and coding agents for implementation, analysis, and review while taking ownership of delivered work.

• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to establish requirements and enhance products and processes.

⛳️ Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.

• Over 6 years of practical experience in machine learning and data analysis on biological or genomic datasets post-degree.

• Proven history of developing models or algorithms that have been effectively utilized.

• Expertise in next-generation sequencing data analysis, encompassing sequencing QC, alignment and quantification, normalization, and addressing sequencing artifacts.

• Proficient in NGS bioinformatics pipelines, including executing, interpreting code and logs, tracing processing steps, diagnosing issues, and modifying pipeline components.

• Extensive hands-on experience with machine learning, deep learning, and statistics, including model validation and performance assessment on limited or imbalanced datasets.

• Advanced proficiency in Python, including familiarity with open-source ML libraries such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and XGBoost, in a cloud environment.

• Experience with processing large datasets and utilizing a query language such as SQL.

• Capability to apply mathematical and statistical principles to real-world estimation challenges and devise practical solutions.

• Knowledge of assay development and analysis pipelines for molecular or clinical biomarkers.

• Ability to communicate technical results clearly to non-specialists and experience in successfully delivering complex projects with cross-functional teams.

• Preferred: experience with RNA-seq and small RNA/miRNA.

• Preferred: experience in constructing probabilistic models for NGS and omics data.

• Preferred: experience with diagnostic product development in a regulated or CLIA/CAP environment.

• Preferred: familiarity with Nextflow, WDL, Snakemake, Docker, AWS, or GCP.

• Preferred: holding patents, having peer-reviewed publications, or presenting at conferences.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans for eligible employees and their dependents.

• Complimentary testing for Natera employees and their immediate family members.

• Fertility care support.

• Maternity and baby bonding leave.

• 401k retirement benefits.

• Commuter benefits.

• Employee referral program.