Bioinformatics Leader

Medullan; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS Discovery seeks a Bioinformatics Leader to drive strategy and execution across client engagements in multi-omics analysis, genomics, and translational research. You will mentor staff, shape proposals, and deliver client-ready insights to R&D stakeholders.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, stay at the forefront of bioinformatics tools, and contribute to building ZS Discovery’s capabilities and thought leadership. Travel for client work is required.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or closely related field.
• Strong hands-on programming in bioinformatics (Python, R) and workflows (Nextflow, Snakemake).
• Experience with cloud-based compute environments and multimodal omics data.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioinformatics strategy and execution across Discovery client engagements.
• Contribute to business development by shaping proposals and expanding existing accounts.
• Design and implement computational workflows for multi-omics data analysis in drug discovery.
• Translate complex biological questions into analytical frameworks for client-ready insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (AI, data, technology) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior bioinformatics staff and guide project contributions.
• Stay current on advances in tools and methods and apply them to client work.
• Support the growth of ZS Discovery’s bioinformatics capabilities and internal tooling.

Skills

Python

R

Nextflow

Snakemake

Education

PhD or Master’s in bioinformatics

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

#LI-AS4

ZS Discovery partners with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to accelerate the discovery of safer, more effective therapeutics. The team brings hands‑on scientific expertise, advanced analytics, AI, and strategic consulting to help research organizations become more productive, more data‑driven, and more confident in their decisions. As a venture within ZS building toward practice status, Discovery combines agility and innovation with the resources and knowledge of the broader firm.

Bioinformatics Leader

ZSD’s bioinformatics team delivers work spanning multi‑omics analysis, computational biology, GxP pipeline development, and platform architecture for some of the world’s largest pharma and biotech companies. This role sits at the senior end of the delivery team: leading engagements, building client relationships, and contributing to business development. You will work as a trusted advisor to R&D leaders, helping them think through how bioinformatics can accelerate their programs.

What you’ll do:

• Lead bioinformatics strategy and execution across assigned Discovery client engagements, serving as the primary scientific and analytical point of contact
• Contribute to business development efforts by shaping proposals, identifying expansion opportunities within existing accounts, and supporting client conversations
• Design and implement computational workflows for analysis of multi‑omic data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in drug discovery and translational contexts
• Translate complex biological questions into analytical frameworks, delivering clear, client‑ready insights to research and R&D stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including scientific strategy, AI, data, and technology, to deliver integrated solutions across the Discovery portfolio
• Mentor and guide junior bioinformatics staff, supporting their technical development and project contributions
• Stay current on emerging tools, platforms, and methods in bioinformatics and apply relevant advances to client work
• Support the development of ZSD’s bioinformatics capabilities, including internal tools, methodologies, and thought leadership

What you’ll bring:

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or a closely related field, or equivalent applied experience
• Deep, hands‑on proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Nextflow, Snakemake) and experience with cloud‑based compute environments
• Domain expertise in at least one biological modality—such as genomics, transcriptomics, or single‑cell—with AI and ML applied as tools within a broader scientific context
• Experience working with human patient‑level data and multimodal datasets (omics, imaging, clinical/RWE) in a translational or drug discovery setting
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex analytical findings to both scientific and non‑scientific audiences
• Experience in a consulting firm, CRO, biotech, or pharma R&D environment preferred; client‑facing or professional services experience is a plus
• Collaborative spirit and the ability to work across teams with diverse scientific and functional backgrounds
• Fluency in English
• Client‑first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.