Bioinformatics Scientist (Computational Biology) #2312

GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on alleviating the global burden of cancer by developing pioneering technology to detect and identify multiple deadly cancer types early. The company is using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop its multi-cancer early detection blood test. GRAIL is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. GRAIL, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN). For more information, please visit www.grail.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As a Bioinformatics Scientist, you will analyze some of the largest, richest genomic datasets in the world to find biological signals and patterns and guide our assays, bioinformatics pipelines, and product strategies. Working closely with other scientists, clinicians, and engineers, you will develop novel methods and employ existing tools to investigate the biology of tumor-derived cell-free DNA, and how that relates to the performance of tests, products, and machine-learning solutions for clinical oncology applications. You will execute statistical analyses operating across GRAIL’s datasets and data from collaborators in academia and industry. Your analyses will result in exciting discoveries in cancer biology, impactful publications, and products for the early detection of or support for patients with cancer.
RESPONSIBILITIES CAN INCLUDE

• Model and analyze large, complex NGS (DNA, RNA, or epigenetic) datasets using machine learning and statistical methods to generate biological insights
• Relate these insights to their impact on patients afflicted with cancer
• Perform end-to-end analyses that include data gathering, processing, analysis, iteration with stakeholders, and presentation of results
• Interact cross-functionally with other teams including software, clinical, operations, research, product development, and external collaborator
• Build, present, and report analyses that reinforce scientific rigor and quality and which maintain GRAIL’s statistical culture.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Biological Sciences, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Computer Science, Physics, or equivalent preparation 
• 3+ years of work experience in a related industry
• Proven track record of frequently cited publications, impactful tools, products, or data sets released to market or used by the scientific community or presentations at international conferences and awards
• Deep understanding of modern statistical and machine learning methods for the analysis of genomics datasets
• A solid understanding of cancer biology and clinical schemes to characterize and categorize tumors
• Demonstrated ability to apply these skills to uncover new biological insights from large genomics datasets
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one programming language (R, Python, Go, C++), proficiency in Linux environment, version control tools, and reproducible research practices. 
• Self-direction, willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative mindset 

GRAIL is an Equal Employment Office and Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We will reasonably accommodate all individuals with disabilities so that they can participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Following extensive monitoring, consideration of business implications, and advice from internal and external experts, GRAIL US has made the decision to require that all U.S. employees be “Fully Vaccinated” with the COVID-19 vaccine. “Fully Vaccinated” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks since a single-dose vaccine (e.g. Johnson & Johnson) has been administered. Absent a qualifying exemption, all GRAIL US employees are to comply with this requirement, including providing documentation of such vaccination status, as a condition of employment. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation for consideration by GRAIL.