Scientist, Population Genetics

23andMe Research Institute; Palo Alto (Schuylkill County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

23andMe Research Institute is looking for a quantitative scientist with a Ph.D. in Population Genetics or a related field to enhance our R&D team. The role involves designing algorithms for genetic relationship inference and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deploy features that benefit consumers.

Ideal candidates should possess strong expertise in population genetics and machine-learning techniques, with proficiency in Python. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of human genetics research in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Population Genetics, Human Genetics, or related quantitative field.
• Strong expertise in population genetics with prior work experience.
• Research experience with machine-learning techniques on large-scale datasets.
• Broad expertise in the Python scientific ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms for genetic relationship inference.
• Scale pedigree inference across millions of individuals.
• Develop methods for tracing trait inheritance across pedigrees.
• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to deploy features.

Skills

Population genetics

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Python

Education

Ph.D. in Population Genetics or related field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Statistical software

Job description

Overview

23andMe is looking for a quantitative scientist with extensive experience in population genetics and statistical modeling of human genetics data to join our R&D team. You will leverage your expertise and work collaboratively with scientists, software engineers, and product managers to build out consumer data products that illuminate the story of human interconnectedness, exploring everything from immediate family lineages to deep human history, as it relates to both ancestry and health. With the world's largest database of more than 11 million research-consented customers, 23andMe is at the forefront of using genetics to transform the understanding of human connection and health.

Join our growing team to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.

Responsibilities

• Design, evolve, and implement state‑of‑the‑art algorithms for genetic relationship and ancestry inference.
• Scale pedigree inference across millions of individuals and many generations by leveraging massive phased identity‑by‑descent data.
• Synergistically combine array‑based genotyping and sequencing data in your work.
• Develop methods enabling individuals to trace trait inheritance across their pedigrees.
• Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and others to deploy customer features.
• Regularly present and communicate research to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Population Genetics, Human Genetics, Statistical Genetics, or a related quantitative field (e.g., Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics).
• Strong expertise in population genetics, demonstrated by prior work experience and/or publications.
• Research experience using machine‑learning and statistical modeling techniques to analyze large‑scale human genetics and genomics datasets.
• Broad expertise in the Python scientific ecosystem, spanning data analysis, machine learning, plotting, prototyping, and collaborative version control.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, team‑oriented, and fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Developing family pedigrees using genetic data from relatives.
• Experience working with sequencing data, such as whole‑genome and/or exome data.
• Experience applying modern software development practices, including automated testing, containerization, cloud computing, and CI/CD.
• Some postdoctoral or industry experience.
• San Francisco Bay Area location, or willingness to relocate.

EEO Statement

23andMe values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.