Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. is seeking a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist I in Mississauga, Canada.

You will lead the design, validation, and deployment of next-generation sequencing data processing pipelines and algorithms, acting as a bridge between wet-lab science and software engineering to deliver high-accuracy molecular diagnostics for patient care. You will routinely apply AI-accelerated methods, work across assay development, software engineering, and QA, and contribute to robust clinical

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field with strong computational biology experience.
• Experience leading design, validation, and deployment of NGS bioinformatics pipelines.
• Proven ability to collaborate across wet-lab, software, and QA teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and validate scalable NGS pipelines and algorithms.
• Bridge wet-lab innovation with production-grade software engineering.
• Integrate AI coding tools to accelerate algorithm development and data analysis.
• Draft specs to guide software teams in transitioning research prototypes to clinical software.
• Ensure QC metrics and regulatory documentation meet CAP/CLIA requirements.

Skills

Python

R

C++

Linux

Nextflow

Cloud computing

AI tools

Education

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Docker

Nextflow

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

This role is a vital part of our Bioinformatics team, which is committed to advancing precision medicine by building cutting-edge computational tools for clinical diagnostics. As a member of this team, you will sit at the dynamic intersection of computational biology, assay development, and software engineering to translate complex genomic data into actionable health insights. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across Wet-Lab Assay Development, Software Engineering, CLIA Operations, and Quality to design, validate, and operationalize next-generation diagnostic tests.

The Opportunity

As a Bioinformatics Scientist, you will lead the design, optimization, and clinical validation of innovative NGS data processing pipelines and algorithms. You will serve as the technical bridge between wet-lab innovation and production-grade software engineering, leveraging advanced statistical modeling and modern AI coding tools to deliver high-accuracy molecular diagnostics for patient care.

Pipeline & Algorithm Development

Design, benchmark, and optimize scalable, reproducible NGS bioinformatics pipelines using Nextflow, Docker/Singularity, and cloud environments.

Analytical Validation

Partner with Assay Development and CLIA lab teams to establish statistical analysis plans and validate novel diagnostic assays (ensuring high sensitivity, specificity, and precision).

AI-Accelerated Engineering

Routinely integrate AI coding tools and automated workflows to accelerate algorithm development, refactoring, and data analysis.

Production Translation

Draft clear functional and technical specifications to guide software engineering teams in transitioning research prototypes into robust clinical software.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

Implement sample- and run-level statistical QC metrics while maintaining thorough QMS-compliant documentation for CAP/CLIA audits.

Best Practices

Enforce high-standard software engineering practices, including Git version control, continuous integration, unit testing, and modular architecture.

Who You Are

Education & Experience

Master’s degree with 7+ years of related experience; OR Ph.D. with 4+ years of related experience (work experience can be prior or post-grad; relevant post-grad academic lab training will be considered).

Matrixed Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

Proven ability to partner seamlessly across multidisciplinary teams—including wet-lab scientists, software engineers, lab directors, and Quality assurance—to align technical specs with clinical goals.

Technical Mastery

Deep understanding of high-throughput sequencing data analysis across various modalities (targeted panels, WGS/WES, transcriptomics, or liquid biopsy/ctDNA).

Proficient in Python/R/C++ and Linux/Bash alongside hands-on experience using workflow managers (Nextflow) and containerized software deployments.

Modern Workflow Adaptability

Proven ability to leverage AI development tools to maximize productivity, alongside excellent communication skills suited for navigating complex, cross-functional organizational environments.

Relocation benefits are not available for this position.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Mississauga is 115,328.00 and 151,368.00 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.

We believe it's urgent to deliver medical solutions right now - even as we develop innovations for the future. We are passionate about transforming patients' lives. We are courageous in both decision and action. And we believe that good business means a better world. That is why we come to work each day. We commit ourselves to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow. We are proud of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We are many, working as one across functions, across companies, and across the world. We are Roche.