Microbiome Data Scientist (Full-time Contractor)

Tiny Health; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

Tiny Health is seeking a data scientist to advance early-life gut health research and help shape microbiome science. You will collaborate with microbiome experts, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to publications and product development from a remote-first setup.

This contractor role requires a strong background in statistics, ML, and data visualization, with expertise in R/Python and microbiome data analysis.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, or microbiology.
• 3+ years of full-time relevant experience after Master's, or 0-1+ years with a PhD.
• Strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
• Proficient in R and/or Python; experience with SQL and large datasets preferred.
• Experience with microbiome data analysis (e.g., 16S, shotgun metagenomics) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently in a remote-first environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze microbiome data (taxa abundances, diversity metrics, functional genes) to support key research questions.
• Develop and maintain novel microbiome metrics and biomarkers using statistical and machine learning methods.
• Conduct statistical analyses of longitudinal clinical data.
• Prepare data visualizations, reports, and presentations for stakeholders and publications.
• Draft research protocols, statistical analysis plans, and clinical study reports.
• Work independently across multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Support development of new product and study concepts.
• Contribute to scientific publications, proposals, and internal knowledge-sharing.

Skills

Statistics & ML

R

Python

SQL

Microbiome data analysis

Data visualization

Communication

Remote work

Education

Master's or PhD in data science / computational biology / bioinformatics

Job description

About Tiny Health

Tiny Health is advancing lifelong health, from the first 1,000 days to the last, and addressing chronic disease through precision microbiome science. Founded in 2020 and built by microbiome scientists and physicians, our testing platform reveals whether your microbiome is trending toward resilience or imbalances using shotgun metagenomics, proprietary AI, and one of the world's largest longitudinal datasets. Trusted by families and health practitioners alike, our research-backed gut and vaginal tests are redefining the microbiome as a cornerstone of personalized health through every life stage. Learn more at tinyhealth.com and poweredbytiny.com.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a data scientist who is passionate about early-life gut health and excited to help shape the future of microbiome science. You'll work closely with microbiome experts and report to the Head of Science to take on data-driven research, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to scientific publications and product development.

Note: This is a contractor position for a minimum of three months, with potential to transition to FTE.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze microbiome data (taxa abundances, diversity metrics, functional genes) to support key research questions

• Develop and maintain novel microbiome metrics and biomarkers using statistical and machine learning methods

• Conduct statistical analyses of longitudinal clinical data

• Prepare data visualizations, reports, and presentations for stakeholders and publications

• Draft research protocols, statistical analysis plans, and clinical study reports

• Work independently across multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

• Support development of new product and study concepts

• Contribute to scientific publications, proposals, and internal knowledge-sharing

Qualifications

Required

• Master's or PhD in a relevant field preferred (e.g., data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, microbiology)

• 3+ years of full-time, relevant experience following completion of a Master's, or 0-1+ years of relevant experience with a PhD.

• Strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data visualization

• Proficient in R and/or Python; experience with SQL and large datasets preferred

• Experience with microbiome data analysis (e.g., 16S, shotgun metagenomics) is highly desirable

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently in a remote-first environment

Preferred

• Previous experience in a fast-paced startup environment

• Work experience in DTC health/wellness companies

• Experience working remotely, with proficiency in Slack

• Leverages AI in daily tasks while also understanding where its blind spots

• Self-directed, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity

How we work

• A mission that actually pulls people in
  We make the microbiome measurable and actionable at every life stage, and real people write in to say it's life-changing.

• Remote-first, real overlap
  Our FTEs are based in North America and work core hours from 9am–6pm CST, shiftable by up to two hours either way — start at 7am or 11am, wrap at 4pm or 8pm.

• Written first, huddle second, meet last
  Default to a clear Slack post, huddle when a thread stalls, and meet only to make a real decision.

• Fast, but never sloppy
  Do the two-month thing in two weeks, then check the work—shipping errors is rework, not speed.

• Shape what we build, not just how we build it
  There's no playbook waiting for you, so write it—and bring the alternative, not just the objection.

• Day One mentality
  Fewer titles and layers; process is a guardrail where it counts, never the reason something didn't ship.

• No hidden agendas
  Numbers, misses, and feedback are shared openly and in real time, so you always know where you stand.

• High standards, genuinely fun people
  Take the work seriously and ourselves much less—high-performing and fun to be around is the hiring bar.

• Is this pace for you?
  Venture-scaled and on a steep trajectory, with intensity in spikes, fiercely protected flexibility, and faster growth than anywhere else.

Our Values

1. Learn Fast, Get Better -Find the root cause, not just the fix, and get better every time

2. Be Relentlessly Resourceful - Dig for the answer, move fast, and know when to ask for help

3. Act Like an Owner, Be Hungry to Win - Act like it's your company, and do whatever it takes to win

4. Act with Honesty and Empathy - Say what's true, and say it with care

5. Delight People by Anticipating Their Needs - Solve the problem, then get two steps ahead of it