Our Mission & Technology
Personalis, Inc. is a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology. Our signature platform, NeXT Personal, is an ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed, WGS-based (Whole-Genome Sequencing) liquid biopsy assay designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and cancer recurrence.
By leveraging whole-genome sequencing of a patient's tumor and matched normal samples, NeXT Personal creates a personalized panel of up to 1,800 somatic variants. This enables the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at incredibly low levels—down to approximately 1-3 parts per million (PPM)—in blood samples. To enable scale, cancer research, and population sequencing, the Personalis Clinical Laboratory was built from the ground up with a strict focus on clinical accuracy, quality, big data, and operational efficiency.
Bioinformatics Senior Scientist
We are seeking a Bioinformatics Senior Scientist to join a world-class, dynamic team of bioinformatics scientists, software engineers, and laboratory scientists. In this role, you will develop, test, and apply cutting-edge cell-free and solid tumor cancer genomics products.
Working alongside our clinical evidence generation teams, you will apply our cell-free solutions to large cancer patient cohorts, profiling patient responses to therapy using our cfDNA (cell-free DNA) platforms. This position directly contributes to a new generation of genomics-based precision medicine products used by pharmaceutical partners, biotech companies, hospitals, and clinicians for therapeutic selection and patient treatment management.
Role Overview
- Location: Fremont, California
- Work Structure: Hybrid (Onsite required Monday & Tuesday)
- Base Salary Range: $155,000 - $190,000 per year
- Position Type: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
- Platform Innovation: Design, develop, and build upon our novel cell-free platforms and products, including the NeXT Personal MRD liquid biopsy platform, with a focus on maximizing signal from complex genomic architecture.
- Advanced Machine Learning: Explore and train Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundation models on high-throughput genomic data to enhance variant detection and extract novel biological features.
- Data Modeling: Model and analyze large, complex genomics datasets using novel methods to generate actionable biological insights.
- Cross-Functional Productization: Design and execute scientific projects focused on product feature feasibility, demonstrating performance and clinical advantages while collaborating cross-functionally to translate findings into production-ready software.
- Scientific Dissemination: Publish high-impact results and present findings at major conferences in the exciting areas of cell-free DNA and cancer genomics.
What You'll Bring
Requirements & Qualifications
- Education: Advanced degree (Ph.D.) in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, machine learning, or a related quantitative field.
- Cancer Genomics Expertise: Extensive experience with cancer genomics, including a deep understanding of tumor evolution, mutational signatures, and structural variation.
- Somatic Variant Analysis: Deep expertise in somatic mutational detection, variant calling, and false-positive filtering.
- Liquid Biopsy Experience: Direct experience analyzing cancer liquid biopsy and cell-free DNA assays.
- Deep Learning Chops: Strong experience utilizing and training modern deep learning architectures. A strong preference will be given to candidates who have trained or fine-tuned LLMs to decode complex biological sequences.
- Programming Proficiency: Fluency in at least one common data science language (e.g., Python or R).
- Execution & Communication: A proven track record of designing experimental approaches to validate complex computational findings, paired with a history of publishing and presenting scientific results.
Compensation & Total Rewards
The hiring range for this position is $155,000 to $190,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, geographic region, and the candidate’s specific job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
In addition to base compensation, full-time regular positions include:
- Annual performance-based bonus (or sales incentive plan)
- Long-term incentive units (equity)
- Full range of medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Tuition reimbursement & wellness benefits
- Sick and vacation paid time off
- Commuter benefits & EV charging stations
- Onsite gym access
Candidate Security & Inclusivity
Protecting Our Candidates
At Personalis, we value your security. All official correspondence from our team will come exclusively from @personalis.com email addresses. We will never ask for personal financial information or conduct interviews over text/chat platforms. If you receive a suspicious request, it is likely a scam. We are committed to a safe recruitment experience and actively work with authorities to investigate cyber crimes targeting our community.
Equal Opportunity & Accommodations
Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities) committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please inform your recruiter when they contact you.
