Bioinformatics, Senior Scientist, ctDNA at Proven Recruiting San Diego, CA

Wishalicious; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wishalicious in San Diego, CA / Remote (US) seeks a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead the development of ctDNA MRD assays in a regulated, collaborative setting. You will shape strategy, supervise analytical studies, and build scalable pipelines for QC, variant calling, and reporting.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a quantitative field (or MS with strong industry experience), has 6+ years in biotech or diagnostics, and is proficient in Python.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics or related field, or MS with strong industry experience.
• 6+ years in biotech, diagnostics, or regulated healthcare environments.
• Hands-on experience developing NGS-based clinical assays, including ctDNA and MRD.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioinformatics strategy, development, optimization, and validation for MRD diagnostic assays.
• Design and execute analytical studies evaluating assay performance (sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, LOD).
• Develop and maintain scalable bioinformatics pipelines for QC, variant calling, MRD detection, and reporting.
• Collaborate with assay development, clinical, quality, regulatory, software, and data science teams to deliver validated solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to technical documentation, audits, and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Bioinformatics

NGS analysis

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

MS with industry experience

Tools

Python

Job description

Senior Bioinformatics Scientist ( ctDNA ), San Diego, CA / Remote (US) - $150,000 - $180,000

Are you passionate about advancing cancer diagnostics through cutting-edge bioinformatics and testing? Our client, an innovative biotechnology company focused on molecular diagnostics, is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead the development of next‑generation laboratory‑developed tests in a highly collaborative and regulated environment.

Who you are:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field (or MS plus additional industry experience).
• 6+ years of experience in biotech, diagnostics, or regulated healthcare environments.
• Hands‑on experience developing NGS‑based clinical assays, including ctDNA and MRD applications are a must.
• Strong Python programming skills with experience building production‑grade bioinformatics pipelines and following SDLC best practices.
• Proven success working within CAP/CLIA, IVD, FDA, or similarly regulated development environments.

What you'll do:

• Lead bioinformatics strategy, development, optimization, and validation efforts for MRD diagnostic assays.
• Design and execute analytical studies evaluating assay performance, including sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, and limit of detection.
• Develop and maintain scalable bioinformatics pipelines for QC, variant calling, MRD detection, and reporting.
• Collaborate with assay development, clinical, quality, regulatory, software, and data science teams to deliver validated solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to technical documentation, audits, and regulatory submissions.

What does this position pay?

Compensation is determined by several factors which may include skillset, experience level, and education. The expected range for this role is $150,000-$180,000 per year. Please note this range is an estimate and actual pay may vary based on qualifications and experience.

We actively support and promote people of various backgrounds, from race, religion, gender to geographical area, university, lifestyle, personality type.

Proven Recruiting is minority-owned, majority women, and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the broader community.