Principal Bioinformatics Scientist

Scorpion Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist to lead NGS-based MRD assay development for cancer diagnostics in CAP/CLIA environments. You will oversee bioinformatics strategy, assay design, and validation, and mentor junior staff.

Based in San Diego or South San Francisco, the role requires ctDNA biology expertise, Python programming, and experience with regulated environments, with a salary range of $184K–$210K depending on location and experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Genomics, or related field.
• 8+ years industry experience, incl. 5+ years in regulated healthcare/diagnostics.
• Extensive hands-on expertise in ctDNA biology and NGS assay development.
• Strong Python programming and SDLC familiarity.
• Experience in CAP/CLIA regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical validation, study design, and performance characterization.
• Develop and maintain production bioinformatics pipelines.
• Collaborate with wet-lab, clinical, quality, regulatory, and software teams.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and communicate complex data to stakeholders.

Skills

Python programming

SDLC best practices

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Genomics

Tools

AWS workflow deployment

R proficiency

Databases

Job description

Role:

Principal Bioinformatics Scientist leading NGS-based MRD assay development for cancer diagnostics, overseeing bioinformatics strategy, assay design, and validation within regulated CAP/CLIA environments.

Responsibilities:

• Drive assay conceptualization, analytical validation, and perform study design and performance characterization.
• Develop and maintain production pipelines.
• Collaborate with wet-lab, clinical, quality, regulatory, and software teams.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation.
• Mentor junior staff.
• Communicate complex data to diverse stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Genomics, or related field.
• 8+ years industry experience, including at least 5 years in regulated healthcare or diagnostics.
• Extensive hands‑on expertise in ctDNA biology, NGS assay development, and clinical assay validation.
• Strong programming in Python, familiarity with SDLC best practices.
• Experience in regulated environments (CAP/CLIA, IVD).

Preferred:

• Management experience.
• AWS workflow deployment.
• Germline and somatic mutation knowledge.
• R proficiency.
• Database skills.

High‑Value:

oncology focus, ctDNA, MRD assays, assay validation, regulated diagnostics, cross‑functional collaboration, leadership in scientific and technical domains.

Work setup:

Based in San Diego or South San Francisco, with salary ranges $184K–$210K depending on location and experience.