Sr. Bioinformatics Scientist

About Karius

Karius is a life science, venture-backed clinical metagenomics company, focused on elevating patient care through microbial insights. We are committed to advancing diagnostic science and technology to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Through the use of genomics and AI, we are driven to improve the diagnostic landscape for infectious diseases. Karius delivers unprecedented diagnostic insight detecting microbial cell-free DNA circulating in the body to assist physicians to make rapid treatment decisions.

Why Should You Join Us?

Karius' core mission is to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company's platform is already delivering unprecedented insight into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood. Through this journey, we realized that the microbial cell-free DNA platform may hold value that goes well beyond the direct diagnosis of infections. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see the immense opportunity to expand the human knowledge around this emerging topic and apply it directly to critical problems in human health and disease.

Position Summary

You are highly curious and creative and desire to continuously grow and improve in your goal to make an impact on patients. You will be a key member of the Assay Development Analytics (ADA) team that helps drive the computational aspects of assay development, focusing on analysis and optimization of new chemistries and lab techniques. You will participate in experimental design, conduct thoughtful computational analyses by determining the analysis plan and executing it using the necessary tools and methodologies. You will work closely with colleagues in Molecular Biology to understand and deliver on our shared goals. You are a self-starter and always like to find ways to make things better.

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Bioinformatics

Location: Redwood City, CA or hybrid or remote

Primary Responsibilities

• Individual contributor to Assay Development Analytics (ADA), which drives the computational aspects of assay development, focusing on analysis and optimization of new chemistries and lab techniques.
• Participate in experimental design, conduct computational analyses, understand rationale, set the analysis plan, and execute using the necessary tools and methodologies to deliver innovative assays.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Molecular Biology and Laboratory Operations teams to understand the properties of the assays and ways to improve our technologies.
• Continue to grow and learn in the necessary mathematical, technological, and software aspects of the field through internal knowledge acquisition and staying current with the latest relevant literature.
• Open to exploring multiple approaches for problem-solving and modeling including borrowing across a wide range of quantitative disciplines.
• Ensure high standards of data integrity, quality control, and validation, while maintaining rigorous quality documentation and dissemination of scientific findings.
• Provide clear visibility into areas of ownership and communicate weekly progress and results to stakeholders.
• Continue to grow and learn in the necessary biological/scientific domains and technological aspects of the field through novel knowledge acquisition but also staying current with the latest relevant literature.
• Share a passion for ensuring the quality of our statistical analysis, via reliability, reproducibility, and rigor.

What's Fun About the Job?

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.

Travel: Travel to HQ on a quarterly basis if remote.

Physical Requirements

Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor, and moderate noise levels. Work is performed in an office environment.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, genetics, bioinformatics, metagenomics, or related fields (preferably with a focus on computational biology or machine learning) with 3+ years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience; OR Master's degree with 5+ years of directly relevant industry experience.
• Publications demonstrating innovative investigation and interpretation of biological data.
• Proven proficiency, and understanding of, modern statistics and machine learning.
• Proven proficiency with high-dimensional, large-scale datasets characterized by low signal-to-noise.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and collaboration within cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-starter with the ability to independently drive results and influence project direction.
• Evidence of innovation in connecting biological insights to complex mechanisms of microbiome and host–environment interactions.
• Familiarity with a range of relevant laboratory techniques (either through hands-on work or from collaborations with laboratory-focused colleagues).
• Familiarity and experience with bioinformatics tools, approaches, and workflows, particularly those related to next-generation sequencing data analysis.
• Familiarity with design of experiments (DOE) approaches to optimize process settings.

Personal Qualifications

• Passionate, purpose-driven, and excited about Karius' mission: to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning.
• Excellence at communication and collaboration within a cross-functional team.
• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Self-starting mentality and ability to drive results.
• Comfortable working in an environment which combines both research aspects as well as development.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced (startup) environment.

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.