Principal Microbiome Scientist

Cmbio; Germantown (MD); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal and professional development opportunities

Qualified retirement programs

Health, dental and vision coverage

Job summary

A digital biology company in Germantown, MD is seeking a Principal Microbiome Scientist to lead client microbiome studies, utilizing deep microbiome expertise and strong data analytics. This role encompasses responsibilities for scientific delivery, mentoring, and client communication. A PhD in a relevant field and 4 years of experience are required. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and flexibility to work from home 1-2 days per week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience analyzing microbiome datasets.
• Full professional proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific delivery of microbiome studies.
• Translate scientific questions into analytical study designs.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to scientific capabilities.

Skills

Microbiome dataset analysis

Data analytics

Client communication

Scientific writing

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in bioinformatics, microbiome science, or a related field

Tools

R (tidyverse)

Linux-based environments

Job description

Principal Microbiome Scientist

Location: Germantown, Maryland, US

Join us as a Principal Microbiome Scientist in our client-facing scientific analysis team in Germantown, MD. This is a key role for an experienced scientist who combines deep microbiome expertise with strong data analytics capabilities, excellent client communication skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with commercial teams. As a Principal-level position, the role carries growing responsibility for scientific standards, mentoring, and coordination within the US Microbiome Science team, aligned with demonstrated leadership, performance, and evolving business needs.

What you will do

In this role, you will lead and conduct complex client microbiome studies within the US Microbiome Science team, serve as a trusted partner to clients and commercial colleagues, and act as a senior scientific reference point within the US service organization. You will have responsibility for end-to-end scientific delivery and communication across client projects, including:

• Lead scientific delivery of complex microbiome studies while actively contributing to bioinformatics and statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Translate scientific questions into robust analytical study designs
• Present results and recommendations to clients with clarity and authority
• Serve as a key scientific partner engaging with clients and supporting the commercial team
• Take ownership of relevant application areas, scientific quality, and oversight of a defined client portfolio
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to the development of scientific capabilities within the US team

Your work will be supported by our in-house R-based analysis framework, and you will collaborate closely with experienced colleagues in both the US and Denmark. The role includes occasional travel, including periodic visits to Denmark.

Required Qualifications

• A relevant PhD degree in bioinformatics, microbiome science, or a similar field.
• Minimum 4 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience analyzing microbiome datasets using R (tidyverse) in research or industry settings
• Full professional proficiency in English and strong scientific writing and presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver efficiently

Advantageous Qualifications

• Domain expertise within one or more relevant application areas (e.g. women’s health, healthy aging, nutrition, oncology, host-microbiome interaction, gut-brain interaction, skin microbiome, or oral microbiome)
• Experience working in Linux-based environments, including familiarity with Python, Git, and/or high-performance computing
• Experience supporting client-facing or consultative scientific work

You will thrive in this role if you

• Enjoy being part of a strong team and supporting others to meet shared goals
• Work in a structured and delivery-focused way with scientific integrity at the core
• Like taking ownership of complex scientific projects and driving them to completion
• Are comfortable leading scientific discussions with clients and engaging with commercial colleagues
• Enjoy balancing deep science with real-world project constraints and stakeholder needs

Who we are

Cmbio is a digital biology company that offers best-in-class end-to-end microbiome research services. With more than 100 scientists globally, we deliver microbiome research services spanning multi-omics wet labs, advanced bioinformatics, software platforms, and data management. We are known for scientific rigor, creative thinking, and close collaboration with clients. Our mission is to transform health and sustainability through microbiome science.

We offer:

• A dynamic and innovative work environment at the cutting edge of microbiome science.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A team culture rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and scientific excellence.

Location

This position is based in Germantown, MD, working primarily on-site while having the flexibility to work from home up to 1-2 days per week.

Apply now

Send your application including your CV and cover letter to [e-mail] with subject line “Principal Microbiome Scientist” by April 6. We review applications on an ongoing basis, so apply as soon as possible.

We encourage applicants to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification. We hire based on merit and are committed to equal opportunity and a workplace where everyone can thrive.

The annual pay for this position ranges from $100,000 to $140,000. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off, as well as health, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.