Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Karius is a life science, venture-backed clinical metagenomics company, focused on elevating patient care through microbial insights. We are committed to advancing diagnostic science and technology to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Through the use of genomics and AI, we are driven to improve the diagnostic landscape for infectious diseases. Karius delivers unprecedented diagnostic insight detecting microbial cell-free DNA circulating in the body to assist physicians to make rapid treatment decisions.

Karius' core mission is to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insight into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood. Through this journey, we realized that the microbial cell-free DNA platform may hold value that goes well beyond the direct diagnosis of infections. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see the immense opportunity to expand the human knowledge around this emerging topic and apply it directly to critical problems in human health and disease.

You are highly curious, creative, and driven by a desire for continuous growth with the ultimate goal of making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. As a key and integral  member of the Computational Biomarker Discovery team, you will  focus on deeply exploring and analyzing the complex biological interplay between diverse conditions and molecular data. In this role, you will help unlock and help unlock preliminary biological signatures to inform translational science and precision medicine beyond the conventional  infectious disease arena, and into areas such as autoimmune and cancer. You will design analysis plans, execute computational workflows, partner for method and machine learning model development, and integrate biological rationale with data-driven insights to uncover meaningful connections. You bring a passion for applying technology in novel ways, generating innovative hypotheses, and revealing hidden patterns in data. Your curiosity and analytical rigor will drive discoveries that push the boundaries of biomarker research and patient care.

Reports to: Director, Computational Biomarker Discovery

Location:  Redwood City, CA (Hybrid) or Remote (USA)

•  Lead data analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), metagenomics, transcriptomics, fragmentomics, and single-cell analysis.

•  Create or adapt computational tools and algorithms to support biomarker discovery and workflows.

•  Drive bioinformatics aspects of cross-functional research projects in collaboration with scientific and medical leaders, under the guidance of the Director of Computational Biomarker Discovery.

•  Conduct deep exploration of the biological interplay between molecular data and disease conditions, generating insights to advance translational science.

•  Deliver preliminary biological signatures that inform precision medicine applications beyond infectious disease, including autoimmune disorders and oncology.

•  Partner in experimental design by defining analysis plans, selecting appropriate methodologies, and executing computational analyses with a strong grounding in biological rationale.

•  Collaborate closely with scientific, medical, engineering, and commercial teams to set company goals and support the development of new partnerships and products.

•  Ensure high standards of data integrity, quality control, and validation, while maintaining rigorous quality documentation and dissemination of scientific findings.

•  Provide clear visibility into areas of ownership and communicate weekly progress and results to stakeholders.

•  Continue to grow and learn in the necessary biological/scientific domains and technological aspects of the field through novel knowledge acquisition but also staying current with the latest relevant literature.

•  Share enthusiasm for exploring novel applications of Karius’ technology platform to drive innovation and impact.

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters. 

Travel:  Travel to HQ on a quarterly basis if remote.  

Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor, and moderate noise levels. Work is performed in an office environment.

•  Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, genetics, bioinformatics, metagenomics, or related fields (preferably with a focus on computational biology or machine learning) with 3+ years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience; OR Master’s degree with 5+ years of directly relevant industry experience.

•  Publications demonstrating the use of innovative mathematical or computational models to investigate and interpret biological and biomarker data.

•  Strong background in modern statistics and machine learning, including applications to biomarker discovery.

•  Proven proficiency with high-dimensional, large-scale datasets characterized by low signal-to-noise.

•  Demonstrated excellence in communication and collaboration within cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.

•  Self-starter with the ability to independently drive results and influence project direction.

•  Evidence of innovation in connecting biological insights to complex mechanisms of microbiome and host–environment interactions.

•  Deep understanding and hands-on experience with bioinformatics tools, methods, and workflows, especially those related to next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.

•  Familiarity with exploratory study and clinical trial designs and analyses, particularly in pharmaceutical or biotechnology applications.

•  Passionate, purpose-driven, and excited about Karius’ mission: to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning.

•  Excellence at communication and collaboration within a cross-functional team.

•  Detail oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills.

•  Self-starting mentality and ability to drive results.

•  Comfortable working in an environment which combines both research aspects as well as development.

•  Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced (startup) environment.  

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company.  All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@kariusdx.com and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.