Bioinformatics Associate I

Zymo Research; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with matching

Employee referral bonus

Free fruit & beverages

Catered lunches on Thursdays

EV charging

Cell phone stipend

Job summary

Zymo Research in Irvine, CA is seeking a motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Bioinformatics team, focusing on microbiome data analysis and development of tools, pipelines and databases for microbiome/metagenomics applications. You will run analyses, support customers, and collaborate on projects.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in bioinformatics, is proficient in Python and R, comfortable with Linux, HPC, Nextflow, and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s in Bioinformatics or related field.
• Experience with bioinformatics, metagenomics, and NGS analysis.
• Proficient in Linux/Unix and command-line tools.
• Scripting in Python and R; strong coding practices.
• Familiar with HPC (SLURM) and cloud platforms (AWS).
• Experience with Nextflow is advantageous.
• Exposure to AI workflows and AI coding assistants is a plus.
• Strong documentation and version-control practices.
• Clear verbal and written communication; team player.

Responsibilities

• Run bioinformatics pipelines and analyses; deliver reports.
• Provide support or training for report interpretation.
• Develop new microbiome pipelines and related tools.
• Collaborate with wet lab scientists to troubleshoot workflows.
• Automate pipelines; improveQC, runtime, and visuals.
• Stay current with bioinformatics, ML, and AI trends.
• Document code and maintain reproducible workflows.

Skills

Python

R

Linux/Unix

Scripting

Communication

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s in Bioinformatics

Tools

Nextflow

SLURM

AWS EC2/S3

Job description

Zymo Research is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Bioinformatics team! The successful candidate will play a key role in microbiome data analysis and in developing tools, pipelines and databases related to microbiome applications. The candidate will perform regular analyses of different bioinformatics pipelines, address bioinformatics support needs for customers and partners, and collaborate closely with other colleagues in developing microbiome/metagenomics applications.

As part of the Bioinformatics team, you will leverage your skills and familiarity with NGS-based cutting-edge data science methods in data collection, analysis and statistical modeling for exciting research and application projects!

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Run bioinformatics pipelines or analyses and deliver reports to customers and partners. Provide support or training for report interpretation. Perform custom analysis with existing pipelines to fit different application needs.
• Follow SOPs strictly when processing data from clinical partners.
• Participate in bioinformatics research and development under the guidance of bioinformatics scientist in developing new microbiome pipelines or applications. Typical tasks include algorithm selection and optimization, database curation, AI function integration, report design, report scripting, and portal development.
• Work closely with wet lab scientists to help troubleshoot microbiomic lab workflows.
• Optimize existing pipelines to automate the workflow, reduce computational burden, shorten runtime, improve QC criteria, improve report graphics and UI, etc.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in data analysis and interpretation.
• Employ best practices for source control, statistical accuracy, documentation, and reproducibility.

Education and Experience

• Holds a master’s or bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics or a related discipline. Bioinformatics or metagenomics data analysis experience may substitute for education.
• Must have experience and passion in the field of bioinformatics, metagenomics, microbiomics and NGS data analysis.
• Must have experience with Linux/Unix operating systems and running/scripting applications from the command line.
• Proficient with scripting languages including Python and R.
• Experience with HPC environments (SLURM) and/or Amazon Web Services EC2 and S3 is a plus.
• Experience with nextflow is a plus.
• Experience with AI coding assistant and AI workflows is a plus.
• Demonstrable best practices for code documentation and revision control.
• Demonstrate clear verbal & written communication skills.
• Well-developed people skills are highly desirable.

About Us

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $75,000-95,000 at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Generous 401(K) with matching
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
• Complimentary EV Charging
• Cell phone stipend

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.