Sr. Bioinformatics Scientist, MRD

Abbott•La Jolla, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Bioinformatics Scientist will serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert within Abbott’s Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) program, collaborating with senior scientists and leaders on complex Research and Development projects. The role may lead or contribute to project and analysis planning and often serves as the bioinformatics lead responsible for project execution. The scientist independently selects methods and procedures for new assignments, analyzes and interprets data, and provides insights that inform project direction. The work focuses on developing methods to identify and integrate genomic and epigenetic biomarkers to improve the sensitivity and specificity of MRD assays. The scientist contributes across the data science workflow, including collecting public datasets, curating internal data, forming hypotheses, building and validating models, and exploring machine-learning and AI-based approaches. The role also researches technologies, proposes process improvements, and helps establish methods and workflows supporting diagnostic assay product development. The position includes communicating findings to stakeholders, preparing and approving technical documentation, complying with legal, ISO, QSR, and Quality Management System requirements, mentoring junior staff, and managing multiple projects with changing priorities. Travel may be required for 5% of working time, potentially including overnight or weekend travel. The position is located at Torrey Pines Science Park in La Jolla, California. The stated base pay range is $90,000–$180,000, with possible variation by location.

Requirements

Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, mathematics, or a related field; alternatively, a relevant master’s degree plus 4 years of experience in lieu of a Ph.D.; or a relevant bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of experience in lieu of a Ph.D.
At least 5 years of industry or academic experience in bioinformatics.
At least 3 years of experience in the medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
Extensive experience in Linux-based HPC or cloud computing environments and associated tools.
Ability to write custom code in at least three programming or scripting languages.
Technical expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genomics.
Knowledge of product or assay research, design, or development.
Working knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods in biology or genetics.
Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

At least 8 years of experience in the medical device/IVD, biotech, life science, or pharmaceutical industry.
Previous experience as a project lead for a team of scientists.
At least 1 year of direct people leadership and management experience.
Previous industry experience in product development or technical support.
A background containing substantial bioinformatics work, including troubleshooting.
Previous experience in a molecular diagnostics or clinical laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

Serve as bioinformatics lead and subject matter expert on complex R&D projects, including projects supporting diagnostic assay product development.
Lead or participate in project and analysis planning.
Independently analyze experimental data across product and technology areas; interpret results, identify trends, problems, and discrepancies, and recommend next steps and project direction.
Solve extremely complex problems by evaluating intangible variables and independently defining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
Develop methods, procedures, and development plans for new studies, and provide technical input on project planning and experimental design.
Manage bench-generated data and bioinformatics outputs in HPC or cloud computing environments, selecting and applying appropriate methods and technologies.
Evaluate the impact of nonconforming data on products or processes and address trends in study data.
Track industry and technology developments, propose new techniques, lead process improvements, and contribute to the intellectual property portfolio.
Present and defend scientific findings at data, group, project, and departmental meetings; communicate with stakeholders at all levels, including functional managers and the clinical lab.
Prepare and approve technical procedures, protocols, and reports; support abstracts, conferences, and publications; and follow legal, ISO, QSR, and Quality Management System requirements.
Train and mentor research associates and junior scientists, foster a collaborative team environment, and manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, act with an inclusion mindset, and model inclusive behaviors.
Travel up to 5% of working time away from the work location, potentially including overnight or weekend travel.