Bioinformatics Software Engineer (NYC & Redwood City)

As a Bioinformatics Software Engineer at Tempus, your responsibilities will include designing and building production-scale bioinformatics pipelines for processing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data in a cloud-based environment. You will also develop innovative assays and algorithms to detect oncology-related biomarkers, conduct thorough analyses on large datasets, execute experiments supporting regulatory submissions, and produce high-quality documentation for various projects. Additionally, you will communicate findings with scientific teams and collaborate across disciplines to enable impactful results.

To become a Bioinformatics Software Engineer at Tempus, candidates must hold a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, or related fields, with at least 3 years of industry experience. You should also possess strong computational skills in Python and/or R, experience with cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud, and familiarity with workflow languages such as Nextflow or snakemake. Effective communication skills and a self-driven attitude are also essential to thrive in this role.

Tempus is dedicated to the growth of its Bioinformatics Software Engineers through a dynamic work environment that encourages continuous learning and collaboration. You will have opportunities to work on state-of-the-art technology and projects that drive real-world clinical applications. Within interdisciplinary teams, you'll receive mentorship, feedback, and resources to further develop your skills in bioinformatics, cloud computing, and advanced data analytics.

As a Bioinformatics Software Engineer at Tempus, you can expect to work on exciting projects that involve the development of assays and algorithms related to liquid biopsies, such as molecular residual disease testing and therapeutic response monitoring. Your work will focus on utilizing cloud computing to analyze genomic data and collaborate in deriving meaningful insights from large datasets, which could potentially lead to significant advancements in patient care and treatment selection.

The expected salary range for a Bioinformatics Software Engineer at Tempus is between $100,000 and $145,000 USD, applicable to roles performed in both New York and California. Salaries may vary based on qualifications and experience, and Tempus also offers a comprehensive range of benefits including incentive compensation and medical coverage tailored to the specific role.

When answering this question, detail your experience in designing and building bioinformatics pipelines, specifically mentioning the tools and technologies you used. Highlight examples where your work led to significant findings or improvements in research processes, illustrating your familiarity with NGS data analysis.

Discuss various techniques you employ for genomic data analysis, such as statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, or specific bioinformatics tools. Provide examples of projects where you've successfully implemented these techniques and the impact they had on the outcomes.

To ensure quality and reliability, explain the processes you follow for testing and validating your algorithms and pipelines. Share how you document your workflows and results to maintain reproducibility and discuss any specific quality control measures you have utilized in previous projects.

Discuss specific challenges you encountered in past projects and detail how you addressed them. This can include technical hurdles, data integrity issues, or collaboration difficulties. Be sure to emphasize your problem-solving skills and proactive approach to overcoming hurdles.

Share the methods you use to keep abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, or following relevant research journals. Demonstrating your enthusiasm for ongoing education can highlight your commitment to the field.

Discuss the concept of MRD testing as it pertains to cancer treatment and monitoring. Explain its importance in detecting minimal residual disease post-treatment and how it aids in making informed decisions about patient care. Provide relevant examples of how MRD testing has influenced treatment pathways.

Mention key software development practices you prioritize, such as version control, testing, and documentation. Highlight your experience with collaboration tools and methodologies, showcasing how they enhance team productivity and project outcomes.

Explain your understanding of data privacy regulations relevant to bioinformatics work, such as HIPAA or GDPR. Discuss how you ensure compliance in your projects and the importance of ethical data handling in research and clinical settings.

Illustrate your comfort level and experience working with interdisciplinary teams, detailing any collaborative projects where you contributed bioinformatics insights. Emphasize your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders.

Share your passion for bioinformatics, highlighting specific aspects of the field that inspire you, such as advancing healthcare solutions or working with innovative technology. Convey how this motivation drives your career aspirations and ethical commitment to improving patient outcomes.