Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I

Roche; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 106,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is seeking a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I in Mississauga to join Roche Sequencing Solutions (RSS). You will bridge computational biology and wet-lab innovation to advance SBX sequencing workflows and diagnostic capabilities.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related field with 5+ years in biotech, 3+ years solving raw sequence data challenges, and proficiency in Python and Nextflow or Snakemake on Linux.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years in biotechnology industry.
• 3+ years investigating raw sequence data to solve library prep and chemistry challenges.

Responsibilities

• Sequence Data Diagnostics: trace data from raw basecall signals to final variant calling to evaluate impact on analytical accuracy.
• Algorithm Deconstruction: evaluate core assumptions of open-source/internal tools on SBX data and prototype tailored bioinformatic solutions.
• Workflow Optimization: identify molecular artifacts in the NGS workflow to guide wet-lab reagents and pipeline improvements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: partner with wet-lab scientists, software engineers, and computational teams across stages.
• R&D Leadership & Guidance: serve as bioinformatics representative on project teams and guide reagent product development.

Skills

Python

Workflow managers

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Tools

Linux

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.

As a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I within Roche Sequencing Solutions (RSS), you will join a collaborative, cutting-edge team defining a new class of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) with our proprietary Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology.

You will work at the intersection of computational biology and wet-lab innovation to empower global researchers and transform sample prep and systems portfolios. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape state-of-the-art sequencing workflows while driving direct advancements in molecular diagnostic capabilities.

The Opportunity:

• Sequence Data Diagnostics: Perform deep, read-level diagnostics, tracing data from raw basecall signals and FASTQs through alignment and final variant calling to evaluate how upstream chemistry variations impact downstream analytical accuracy
• Algorithm Deconstruction: Look under the hood of open-source and internal tools to evaluate their core assumptions and failure modes on novel SBX data, prototyping and implementing tailored bioinformatic solutions
• Workflow Optimization: Uncover the physical and enzymatic mechanisms driving data anomalies, isolating root-cause molecular artifacts across the NGS workflow to directly guide wet-lab reagent formulation and drive independent pipeline/protocol advancements
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with wet-lab scientists, software engineers, and computational teams across all stages, from experimental design and data collection to algorithm design, result interpretation, and clear team-wide communication
• R&D Leadership & Guidance: Serve as the bioinformatics functional representative on cross-functional project teams, providing data-supported guidance to develop reagent products and offer expert-level technical support across the organization

Who You Are:

• You hold a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field with 5+ years of experience in the biotechnology industry.
• You bring 3+ years of experience in investigating raw sequence data to solve complex library prep and chemistry challenges (e.g., unexpected adapter behavior, custom UMI/barcode designs, chimeric reads, coverage gaps)
• You have developed a deep, mechanistic intuition for NGS library prep chemistry, target enrichment, and how physical reagent performance directly impacts raw bioinformatic signals and downstream variant detection accuracy
• You demonstrate in-depth knowledge of NGS, molecular biology, and human genomics, with experience in diverse applications (preferably single-cell, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics)
• You exhibit proficiency in Python and workflow managers (Nextflow or Snakemake) in Linux environments, with a strong focus on producing reproducible, well-documented code
• You have an exceptional problem-solving mindset with precision in both routine QC and complex troubleshooting, paired with the ability to translate technical findings for multidisciplinary audiences

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Mississauga is 105,560.00 and 138,547.50 of hiring range. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors as determined by the company.

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this role.

This posting is for an existing vacancy at Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100,000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let's build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.