Variant Bio is a Seattle-based startup that is developing therapies to improve global health by studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits. Variant Bio was started because we believe that human genetics has the power to transform drug development. To facilitate this, we have built proprietary genomics and phenotyping platforms that allow us to dramatically reduce the cost of genomic studies and identify genetically-validated targets for therapeutic development.

All of our studies are co-designed with local partners: community groups, academics, and hospitals around the world, and we built Variant Bio from the ground up with ethics at its foundation. We recognize the contribution of our partners through an industry leading benefit-sharing program that dedicates 4% of our revenue and equity value to support local healthcare, sustainable development, education, research, and capacity-building initiatives.

Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Description

We are looking for a population geneticist with expertise using computational methods to study adaptation and population history. The ideal candidate should have a strong foundation in population genetics and statistics, and experience analyzing large-scale, whole-genome data sets. The candidate will be part of a growing team of computational biologists with expertise spanning bioinformatics, statistical geneticists, population genomics, and functional genomics. We encourage candidates who are passionate about increasing the inclusion of underrepresented populations in genomic research to apply, as this is a core mission of Variant Bio.

Responsibilities

• Analyze genomic data sets from diverse populations to gain insight into features including population structure, relatedness, consanguinity, and admixture.
• Apply an array of population genetic methods to identify and localize different types of adaptation.
• Integrate population genetics analyses and trait-association studies to help uncover novel disease biology and identify therapeutic targets.
• Keep up-to-date on scientific literature and share relevant advances with the team.
• Disseminate results with the broader scientific community through presentations and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in genetics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, statistics, computer science, or a related field with a relevant dissertation.
• Solid conceptual background in the key principles of population and statistical genetics, as well as formal training in statistics and/or computer science.
• Strong publication record in the field of population or statistical genetics.
• Good working knowledge of public human genomic resources, such as the 1000 Genomes Project, the Human Genome Diversity Project, gnomAD, the UK Biobank and other biobanks.
• Experience using standard population and statistical genetics software, including tools for detecting positive selection, simulating complex population genetic scenarios, and facilitating genome-wide association studies.
• Strong programming skills and experience with high performance computing.
• Independent, creative, detail-orientated, and a critical thinker. 
• Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, a strong ethical stance, and benefit sharing.

Perks

• Opportunity to be part of an early-stage startup entering a rapid growth phase.
• Competitive, industry leading salary, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan that includes an automatic 3% employer contribution.
• Centrally located in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood in a new Alexandria building with modern facilities, including a gym.