Bioinformatics Scientist (Classifier/Assay Research and Development) #2399

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.

In this role, you will analyze some of the largest, richest genomics datasets in the world to identify biological patterns and guide assay and classifier development. Working closely with scientists, clinicians, and engineers, you will develop algorithms and tools to investigate the biology of tumor-derived cell-free DNA and to translate your insights into new assay and classification strategies. Your efforts will contribute to exciting biological discoveries, influential scientific publications, and impactful products for the early detection of cancer!
You will:

• Design and implement computational methods to identify and exploit opportunities to improve assay and classifier performance.
• Collaborate closely with assay scientists to plan experimental studies and interpret results.
• Work with a team of versatile bioinformaticians and data scientists to apply machine learning and statistical methods to large, sophisticated genomics datasets to generate biological insights.
• Present project updates and results regularly at technical meetings.
• Interact cross-functionally with other teams including software, clinical, operations, research, product development, and external collaborators.

Your background should include:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, biological sciences, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, computer science, physics, engineering, mathematics, or equivalent preparation and experience.
• Familiarity with genomics and next generation sequencing.
• Proven expertise in at least one programming language (such as R, Python, or Go) and proficiency within a Linux environment.
• Preferred, familiarity with git or other version control systems.
• Knowledge of statistical and machine learning tools and their application to genomics datasets.
• Being self-directed with the ability to multitask in a sophisticated environment.
• Capacity to thrive in a highly team-driven environment with a strong collaborative mentality.
• Desire to teach and learn from others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with cloud-based systems such as G-Suite and AWS.

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.