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Senior Computational Biologist

Brisbane, California

Why join Freenome?

Freenome is a high-growth biotech company developing tests to detect cancer using a standard blood draw. To do this, Freenome uses a multiomics platform that combines tumor and non-tumor signals with machine learning to find cancer in its earliest, most-treatable stages. 

Cancer is relentless. This is why Freenome is building the clinical, economic, and operational evidence to drive cancer screening and save lives. Our first screening test is for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas, and it’s just the beginning. 

Founded in 2014, Freenome has ~400 employees and continues to grow to match the scope of our ambitions to provide access to better screening and earlier cancer detection.  

At Freenome, we aim to impact patients by empowering everyone to prevent, detect, and treat their disease. This, together with our high-performing culture of respect and cross-collaboration, is what motivates us to make every day count.

Become a Freenomer

Do you have what it takes to be a Freenomer? A “Freenomer” is a determined, mission-driven, results-oriented employee fueled by the opportunity to change the landscape of cancer and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Freenomers bring their diverse experience, expertise, and personal perspective to solve problems and push to achieve what’s possible, one breakthrough at a time.

About this opportunity:

At Freenome, we are seeking a Senior Computational Biologist, Assay Research to help grow the Freenome’s Computational Biology, Assay Research (CBAR) team. As part of our team, you will  apply your scientific expertise to the development of early, noninvasive tests for cancer detection. With a strong background in NGS assay development, bioinformatics, statistics, and molecular biology, you will design and execute research studies to drive early research of prototype cancer early detection products using cfDNA as biomarker. You will work closely and cross-functionally with many teams, including Molecular Research and Development, Model R&D, Computational Biology, Assay Development to enable the concept and feasibility of multiple molecular assays as part of Freenome’s diagnostic products.

The role reports to a Senior Manager of Computational Biology. This role can be a hybrid role based in our Brisbane, California headquarters (2-3 days per week in office), or remote.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead the analysis and interpretation of molecular and clinical data in the context of early cancer detection, serving as a key thought leader on the Computational Science team
  • Suggest research hypotheses and areas for potential computational model and assay improvement; then plan, scope, and execute associated research in partnership with a multidisciplinary team
  • Develop bioinformatics pipelines to enable high throughput NGS data processing and analysis
  • In collaboration with wet lab scientists, rapidly characterize and iterate on experimental methods by providing real-time assessments of assay performance, quality control, and clinical/diagnostic utility
  • Remain at the forefront of molecular techniques in oncology, and collaborate with the larger team to bring forward the next generation of assays for early cancer detection

Must haves:

  • PhD degree in computational biology, cancer biology, statistics, bioinformatics, or related quantitative field
  • 3+ years of scientific industry experience applying computational techniques for biological discovery and product development, ideally to cancer or diagnostics applications in industry
  • Extensive experience in NGS assay and pipeline development. Demonstrated track record of implementing complex workflows for high throughput NGS data processing
  • Strong quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills, with a demonstrated ability to apply them effectively to relevant scientific problems
  • Strong computational and programming skills, including thorough experience with Python statistical packages (Numpy, Matplotlib, Pandas) or equivalents in other languages like R
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate to both scientific and broader audiences
  • Ability to work on a cross-functional team in our highly collaborative environment, working with both computational and experimental scientists

Nice to haves:

  • Expert knowledge of chromatin biology, liquid biopsy, DNA methylation and their relevance in cancer early detection
  • Extensive experience working with DNA methylation data for biomarker discovery research
  • Experience in developing, applying, and evaluating statistical and/or machine learning algorithms

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary for new hires is $161,925 - $247,000. You will also be eligible to receive pre-IPO equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

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