Human Genetics Data Scientist
About The Position
We are seeking a human genetics data scientist to join the Human Genetics & Targets group within Biomedical Research at Novartis. In this role, you will analyze rich proprietary and public human genetics datasets, collaborating with computational scientists, experimental scientists, and disease area experts across Novartis to help discover, validate, and de-risk therapeutic targets. This is a unique opportunity for a talented early career data scientist to learn and grow while making a meaningful contribution to drug discovery at Novartis. The Human Genetics & Targets team is a global group of computational and experimental scientists dedicated to developing and testing genetics-driven target hypotheses. Situated within the Discovery Sciences (DSc) department, the team's extensive expertise in genetics, biology, and translatable models is enhanced by DSc's capabilities in AI, functional genomics, chemical biology, and more. The team collaborates with disease area specialists to not only identify disease associations but fully understand the underlying disease mechanisms and advance drug discovery projects to benefit patients.
Requirements
- Recent PhD (within last 2 years), or an MS and 2+ years of related post-graduate experience, or equivalent experience in human genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, or related field
- Strong quantitative and analytical mindset with a foundation in statistical genetics
- Curious and adaptable with the ability and desire to rapidly learn across diverse areas as needed, including new algorithms, technologies, and disease area biology
- Familiarity with software (e.g. BCFtools, BEDtools, PLINK, Hail, regenie) and data types (e.g. CRAM/BAM, VCF, PLINK) common to human genetic and bioinformatic analysis
- Proficiency working with Unix/Linux-based systems and tools
- Proficiency in Python, R, Bash, and/or other relevant programming languages
- Experience working in high performance and cloud-based computing systems
- Ability to communicate scientific results clearly
Nice To Haves
- Experience processing and analyzing biobank-scale genomic data (e.g. UK Biobank, All of Us, FinnGen, etc.), working in associated Trusted Research Environments
- Experience performing genetic association studies
- A publication record that demonstrates an ability to perform scientific research
Responsibilities
- Processing, curating, and annotating biobank-scale whole-exome, whole-genome, and phenotypic data sets to support robust genetic analyses
- Evaluating published algorithms and implementing bioinformatic pipelines for gene-phenotype association analyses in population- and family-based studies
- Conducting focused gene- or target-specific human genetics research and analysis to support or refute therapeutic hypotheses
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team and communicating findings to a scientifically diverse audience
- Following best practices to document and ensure reproducibility of work
Benefits
- health, life and disability benefits
- a 401(k) with company contribution and match
- a variety of other benefits
- a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
