Lead Scientist / Associate Director, Bioinformatics and Data Science
Profluent is the frontier AI lab for biology. Profluent builds powerful foundation models for all of life's molecules, unlocking solutions that transform medicine, agriculture, and beyond. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Profluent is backed by leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures and has raised over $150M to date.
We’re seeking an experienced computational scientist to lead the design, development, and operation of the NGS analysis platform that powers Profluent’s gene editing, protein design, and therapeutic programs. You’ll work at the intersection of computational biology, software engineering, and experimental biology to build scalable systems that extract clear, actionable insights from large-scale sequencing data.
This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of computational biology, experimental science, and software engineering. You’ll define how Profluent characterizes the activity and specificity of novel gene editors, establish rigorous and reproducible practices across bioinformatics and data science, and mentor and grow a team as our platform and therapeutic programs scale.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and operation of Profluent’s NGS analysis platform for gene editing, protein design, and therapeutic programs
Develop scalable pipelines and analytical methods for new sequencing assays
Partner with wet-lab teams to design, test, troubleshoot, and validate new assays
Lead computational characterization of gene-editor on-target activity, specificity, and off-target effects
Translate sequencing data into clear biological insights, program decisions, and regulatory-ready analyses
Collaborate with computational teams to curate high-quality datasets for model training and evaluation
Establish rigorous, reproducible practices for analytical validation, testing, documentation, and code review
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing bioinformatics and data science team
Qualifications
PhD or MS in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
PhD with 5+ years or MS with 7+ years of industry experience applying NGS and computational analysis to gene or cell therapy development
Deep expertise in the design, analysis, and interpretation of high-throughput sequencing assays
Strong programming and quantitative analysis skills, particularly in Python
Proven ability to translate complex sequencing data into clear biological insights and program decisions
Experience partnering closely with experimental scientists to guide assay design, troubleshoot results, and define follow-up studies
Demonstrated scientific leadership, including setting analytical strategy, leading complex cross-functional projects, and mentoring computational scientists
Experience developing scalable, reproducible, and well-validated computational workflows
Preferences
Experience with CRISPR-based gene editing data and analysis
Familiarity with SQL and data modeling for biological or experimental data
Experience with LIMS platforms (e.g., Benchling) and lab data integration
Track record of developing production-quality scientific software and tools
What We Offer
High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design
Competitive compensation package with equity participation
401(k) with a strong employer match
Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology
Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Hiring Salary Range $205,379 — $245,632 USD
NOTICE TO STAFFING AND SEARCH FIRMS: Profluent does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions. We ask that agencies refrain from sending resumes to our careers inbox, hiring managers, or any Profluent employee. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and an active search request from our Talent team will be treated as the property of Profluent, and no placement fee will be owed.