Part-Time Bioinformatics Scientist (Contract/Consultant)

El Capitan Biosciences; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 68,880 - 117,096; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Work on cutting-edge datasets

Collaboration with experienced team

Job summary

El Capitan Biosciences in Pleasanton is looking for a skilled Part-Time Bioinformatics Scientist to support RNA-seq data analysis and machine learning model development. This flexible role offers 10-20 hours of work per week, ideal for those eager to contribute to innovative translational genomics projects.

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD or be a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics or a related field, with strong programming skills, and experience in RNA-seq analysis. A competitive hourly rate ranging from $50 to $85 is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate or degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with RNA-seq data analysis.
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python.
• Proficiency in bash scripting and Linux/Unix environments.
• Training in statistics and machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Analyze RNA-seq datasets for quality control and analysis.
• Develop bioinformatics pipelines for transcriptomic data.
• Apply machine learning to identify biomarkers.
• Build predictive models and explore AI applications.
• Collaborate with teams to guide experimental design.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations.

Skills

RNA-seq data analysis

Programming in R and/or Python

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Bash scripting

Education

PhD candidate or PhD degree in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NGS pipelines (STAR, Salmon)

Job description

El Capitan Biosciences is a molecular diagnostics company developing a high-fidelity, non-invasive host RNA transcriptomics platform for gastrointestinal (GI) disease detection, monitoring, and companion diagnostics. Our proprietary stool RNA-seq technology enables ultra-sensitive detection of human transcripts in complex biological samples, combined with advanced machine learning to drive clinical insights.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Part-Time Bioinformatics Scientist to support RNA-seq data analysis and machine learning model development for biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics. This is a flexible role ideal for individuals seeking to contribute to cutting-edge translational genomics projects on a part-time basis.

Time Commitment

• 10 - 20 hours per week (flexible schedule)
• Hourly rate: $50 - $85/hr

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze RNA-seq datasets, including preprocessing, QC, normalization, and differential expression analysis
• Develop and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for transcriptomic data
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to identify diagnostic or predictive biomarkers
• Build and evaluate predictive models, including deep learning approaches
• Explore applications of large language models (LLMs) or multimodal AI in biological data analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interpret results and guide experimental design
• Communicate findings through reports, visualizations, and presentations

Basic Qualifications

• PhD candidate or PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with RNA-seq data analysis
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments and proficiency in bash scripting
• Formal training in statistics and machine learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Experience developing or applying deep learning models
• Familiarity with large language models (LLMs) or generative AI applications in biology
• Experience with NGS pipelines and tools (e.g., STAR, Salmon, nf-core, etc.)
• Experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) or cloud environments
• Strong data visualization and communication skills

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge RNA-seq datasets from clinical samples
• Exposure to real-world biomarker discovery and diagnostic development
• Flexible, part-time engagement with meaningful scientific impact
• Collaboration with a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team