Sr. Scientist, NGS and Bioinformatics Core

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

AlivaMab Biologics seeks a head for the NGS and Bioinformatics Core to oversee antibody sequencing and repertoire analyses, driving data-driven insights across discovery and development.

The role collaborates with Protein Sciences, Antibody Engineering, Antibody Discovery, and Project Management, reporting to the Associate Director of Antibody Engineering, while advancing data quality and technology initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in a life sciences field.
• 5+ years in biotech/pharma or academia with bioinformatics/NGS focus.
• Hands-on NGS data analysis for antibody sequencing and immune repertoires.
• Proficient Python with bioinformatics workflow development.
• Experience applying AI/ML to antibody or protein data.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of bioinformatics pipelines for antibody sequences and repertoires.
• Apply AI/ML for sequence analyses and epitope prediction.
• Oversee end-to-end NGS workflow including library prep and QC.
• Serve as SME in bioinformatics to educate cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with external partners and present sequencing data.
• Maintain records and generate SOPs.

Skills

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics

Python coding

AI/ML methods

Antibody sequencing

Immune repertoire biology

Data interpretation

Project leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related Life Sciences

Tools

Illumina MiSeq

10X Genomics

Job description

Overview

AlivaMab Biologics is seeking an outstanding individual to serve as the head of the NGS and Bioinformatics Core, enabling antibody discovery and engineering projects through oversight of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, bioinformatics, and computational analysis to thoroughly examine antibody repertoires, broadening our understanding of sequence and functional diversity and therapeutic potential of biologics. The individual will also have the opportunity and is expected to contribute to broader technology development and antibody engineering in collaboration with cross-functional teams, working closely with scientists in the Protein Sciences, Antibody Engineering, Antibody Discovery, and Project Management teams. This position will report to the Associate Director of Antibody Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing development and implementation of enhanced bioinformatics pipelines and computational workflows for the analysis of antibody sequences and immune repertoires from NGS and other data sources
• Apply and advance AI/ML approaches for antibody sequence analyses and sequence-epitope prediction
• Manage and continuously improve the end-to-end NGS workflow (library generation, sequencing on Illumina MiSeq, QC, and downstream analysis), directing execution and safeguarding data quality Ideate, propose, and lead new technology initiatives to expand sequencing capabilities, data infrastructure, and analytical tools
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert in bioinformatics, computational analysis, and NGS, educating and supporting cross-functional teams on data interpretation and best practices
• Maintain awareness of major announcements in the field and provide critical analyses of strengths and weaknesses of such claims to senior management
• Collaborate with project leads on sequencing and computational analyses reports
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the team in interactions with external partners, presenting sequencing data, interpreting results, and addressing partner questions with clarity and confidence
• Operate with a high degree of scientific independence while maintaining proactive, open communication with stakeholders
• Generate, organize, and maintain meticulous records using Electronic Lab Notebooks and generate SOPs

Qualifications

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related Life Sciences
• Minimally, 5+ years of experience in biotech/pharma or an academic setting with a strong focus on bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or NGS data analysis
• Proficiency in bioinformatics with hands‑on experience applying NGS data analysis tools to antibody sequencing and immune repertoire workflows
• Proficient Python coding skills with experience in developing or customizing bioinformatics workflows for antibody sequencing and immune repertoire analysis
• Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML methods to antibody or protein sequence and structure data (e.g., sequence-epitope prediction, structure modeling)
• Understanding of the biology of the human immune repertoire and immunoglobulin genes
• Demonstrated initiative, insightfulness, and creativity in applications of AI/ML for analyses of antibody sequences and/or immune repertoires
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience in NGS library preparation, sequencing platforms, and QC methodologies
• Experience with single-cell sequencing workflows, such as 10X Genomics, is a plus
• Experience with the applications of ML/AI to antibody drug discovery and development is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and analytical skills
• Meticulous attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills with a history of timeline‑driven delivery
• Excellent communicator, highly effective in interacting with key internal and external stakeholders
• Team player and collaborative leader, with strong coaching and mentoring skills
• High functioning in an environment dedicated to exceptional quality and integrity

About AlivaMab Biologics

AlivaMab Biologics sets its partners’ antibody discovery programs on the fastest and most de‑risked path through discovery and development. Trusted by top‑tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, AMB delivers drug‑quality, fully human antibodies on exceptional timelines. AMB achieves its partners’ design goals, from simple to extraordinarily challenging, through the generation and function‑first screening of large, molecularly diverse panels of antibodies. AMB focuses on the rapid and efficient delivery of antibodies, characterized for function, kinetics, and developability, and on engineering alternative formats, including multispecifics and CARs. The AMB team’s experience and passion for antibody drug discovery and development, combined with trusted, proven technologies, including Ablexis' AlivaMab Mouse platforms, ensure the highest probability of success.

AlivaMab Biologics provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decision‑making, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary Range: $144,000 - $176,000 annually

This range represents AlivaMab Biologics' good‑faith estimate of the base compensation for this position at the time of posting. Compensation offered will account for factors such as experience, education, and comprehensiveness of qualifications. The salary range excludes bonuses, equity, health benefits, PTO, other benefits, or any other forms of compensation that may be part of the total compensation package. Relocation assistance may be considered.