Senior Scientist II, R&D Bioinformatics

LGC Biosearch Technologies; Town of Middleton (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

LGC Biosearch Technologies is seeking a Senior Scientist II in R&D Bioinformatics to lead algorithm and pipeline development for PCR- and next-generation sequencing-based applications. You will collaborate across R&D and product teams, mentor software colleagues, and deliver data-centric solutions for genomics projects.

The role requires strong expertise in bioinformatics, NGS workflows, and Docker-based environments, with experience in large genomic datasets and pipelines.

Qualifications

• Master or Ph.D. in a relevant field (bioinformatics, computer science, biostatistics, computational biology, genetics, biology) or equivalent
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant work experience in a highly technical bioinformatics role
• Proficiency in Python and Perl programming languages
• Experience with Unix-based OS and bash scripting
• Strong expertise in Docker-based environments
• Experience with Git and software development practices
• Experience in computational pipeline development and database management, with genomics and statistics background
• Proven understanding of NGS algorithms and data analysis tools
• Experience handling extensive genomic datasets (e.g., WGS, exome-seq, RNA-seq)
• Experience with genome alignment, mapping, variant calling, and annotation tools
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Preferred: Airflow workflow management; deep understanding of NGS products and methods

Responsibilities

• Develop oligo building tools and pipelines for qPCR and NGS
• Create algorithms and tools for NGS data analysis and new product development
• Collaborate across teams to complete research projects
• Mentor internal and external software development teams on algorithms
• Generate and optimize scripts for genomic data processing and storage
• Provide data analysis support and training to wet-lab scientists
• Build high-throughput multiplexing genotyping panels for various organisms
• Work with Product/Project Management and R&D on new products and custom projects
• Identify new product ideas, develop prototypes, and present results to leadership
• Attend conferences to stay abreast of scientific developments and promote capabilities
• Deliver high-quality product development documentation compliant with quality systems

Skills

Python

Unix/bash

Genomics

NGS data analysis

Statistics

Git version control

Docker

Airflow

MS Office

Education

Master or Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computer science, biostatistics, computational biology, genetics, or biology

Tools

Perl

Linux/Unix

Genome alignment tools (e.g., BWA, Bowtie)

GATK/variant calling tools

Job description

• Department: Analytics and Business Intelligence

Company Description

ABOUT LGC BIOSEARCH TECHNOLOGIES:

With manufacturing sites across the US, UK, Germany and Denmark, LGC Biosearch Technologies has plans to continue growing. We deliver mission critical genomics to our diverse customer base in molecular diagnostics, pharma/biotech and agrigenomics. Our integrated portfolio of products, services and expertise supports our purpose of Science for a Safer World and we have embodied our mission by working with customers to enable research into life-altering treatment for disease and illness worldwide. We are currently seeking candidates who are up for the challenge of operating in a high-growth, purpose-driven organisation.

Job Description

The Senior Scientist II in R&D Bioinformatics contributes significantly to the growth of LGC’s molecular biology product portfolio. As a senior leader and subject matter expert, this person supports several R&D projects in the Diagnostics and Genomics business unit. The Senior Scientist II has extensive knowledge of the scientific principles in bioinformatics and genomics research and applies this expertise to invent and implement innovative experiments. The main duty of this role is to foster innovation, compose and develop algorithms, tools, and pipelines for different PCR- and next generation sequencing (NGS)-based applications.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following essential functions satisfactorily:

• Develop oligo building tools and pipelines for molecular techniques such as qPCR and NGS
• Develop algorithms and tools for NGS data analysis and new product creation
• Complete research projects in collaboration with multiple collaborators across the organization
• Provide algorithm and scientific mentorship to the internal and external software development teams
• Generate, optimize, and maintain scripts for routine genomic data processing, curation, and storage
• Provide customized data analysis support and training to wet-lab scientists as needed
• Build high-throughput multiplexing genotyping panels for human, plants, animals, and microbes
• Work together with Product Management, Project Management, Lab Services, and R&D teams on new product development and custom NGS projects/services
• Identify and define new product ideas or technologies, develop prototypes, conduct optimization studies, and present results to the leadership
• Attend meetings, conferences, symposia, and seminars to promote LGC capabilities and to keep abreast of scientific/technological developments
• Deliver high-quality product development documentation consistent with LGC’s quality systems

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (bioinformatics, computer science, biostatistics, computational biology, genetics, biology)—or an equivalent combination of applicable education and work experience
• Minimum of 5 plus years of relevant work experience in a highly technical role with a focus in bioinformatics
• Proficiency in a high-level (e.g., Python,Perl) programming languages
• Demonstrated experience with Unix-based operating systems and bash shell scripting
• Strong expertise in crafting, building, and managing Docker-based environments
• Experience in software development including ticket management and version control (e.g., git)
• Experience in computational pipeline development and database management, as well as solid background in genomics and statistics
• Proven understanding of NGS algorithms and data analysis tools
• Practical experience in analyzing and handling extensive genomic datasets (e.g., whole genome sequencing, exome-seq, target enrichment, amplicon sequencing, RNA-seq, etc.)
• Practical experience with genome alignment, mapping, variant calling, and annotation tools
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office product suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in workflow management systems (e.g., Airflow)
• Excellent understanding of molecular biology and NGS products/methods, platform-specific capabilities, and data interpretation

Additional Information

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position often requires working hours outside of these standard operating hours, including weekend work, especially during certain business cycles.

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity programs
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• 8 weeks of parental leave for qualifying life event
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Companywide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

This position requires current U.S. work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas (including H‑1B, H‑2B, OPT, O‑1, TN)

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.