On-Demand Bioinformatician – Viral Genomics & Diagnostics

Primary.Health; United States; Remote; USD 117,000 - 138,000; Part time

Job summary

Primary.Health is seeking an on-demand Bioinformatician to analyze viral genomes and monitor variants. The role is contract-based with a 10-hour-per-week retainer and flexible scheduling, remote work, and occasional faster turnarounds during outbreaks. You will work independently and report to the Head of Strategic Initiatives.

Strong experience in Python/R and viral genomics is required. The position emphasizes reproducible pipelines for alignment, variant calling, and lineage assignment, with

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of hands-on viral or pathogen genomics experience.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R and standard genomics tools (e.g., Nextclade, Pangolin, Nextstrain).
• Experience evaluating molecular diagnostics against sequence variation preferred.
• Strong written communication; comfortable working independently on a part-time schedule.

Responsibilities

• Analyze viral genomes (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV) to identify mutations, lineages, and variants of concern.
• Assess the impact of sequence changes on assay performance (primer/probe binding, sensitivity).
• Run and maintain reproducible pipelines for alignment, variant calling, and lineage assignment.
• Summarize findings clearly for non-technical stakeholders.
• Monitor CDC, WHO, and GISAID surveillance and flag relevant developments.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Advanced degree in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology

Tools

Nextclade

Pangolin

Nextstrain

Job description

JOB TITLE: On-Demand Bioinformatician – Viral Genomics
JOB TYPE: Contract (1099) | 10 hours/week retainer
LOCATION: Remote
REPORTING TO: Head of Strategic Initiatives

JOB SCOPE

We are seeking an experienced bioinformatician on a part-time retainer to analyze viral sequence data, track emerging variants, and advise on how genomic changes may affect our diagnostic tests. Scheduling is flexible, with faster turnaround occasionally needed during outbreaks or new variant emergence.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES

• Analyze viral genomes (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV) to identify mutations, lineages, and variants of concern.
• Assess the impact of sequence changes on assay performance (primer/probe binding, sensitivity).
• Run and maintain reproducible pipelines for alignment, variant calling, and lineage assignment.
• Summarize findings clearly for non-technical stakeholders.
• Monitor CDC, WHO, and GISAID surveillance and flag relevant developments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of hands-on viral or pathogen genomics experience.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R and standard genomics tools (e.g., Nextclade, Pangolin, Nextstrain).
• Experience evaluating molecular diagnostics against sequence variation preferred.
• Strong written communication; comfortable working independently on a part-time schedule.

Compensation

This role will be paid at $85.00–$100.00/hour on a 10-hour weekly retainer, with additional hours billed at the agreed hourly rate. Primary.Health provides an estimate of compensation as required by state regulations. Compensation may vary based on location, skills, qualifications, and experience, and is subject to change as new market data becomes available. Primary.Health reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.