Bioinformatics Leader

Zs Associates; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive total rewards package

Skills-building programs

Career progression paths

Job summary

Zs Associates is seeking a Bioinformatics Leader to manage bioinformatics strategy and execution for Discovery client engagements. You will lead teams, design computational workflows, and mentor junior staff, contributing to business development efforts.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in bioinformatics or related fields, has proficiency in tools like Python and R, and the ability to translate complex biological questions into actionable insights. This position offers a hybrid working model with travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or related field.
• Hands-on proficiency with bioinformatics tools and programming languages.
• Experience with multimodal datasets in a translational setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioinformatics strategy and execution across client engagements.
• Design and implement computational workflows for multi-omic data.
• Mentor junior bioinformatics staff.

Skills

Bioinformatics tools

Python

R

Nextflow

Snakemake

Cloud-based compute environments

Communication skills

Education

PhD or Master’s in bioinformatics or computational biology

Job description

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.

Whatyou’lldo:

• 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

Whatyou’llbring:

• 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 the 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.

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.