Freenome is hiring a Senior Computational Biologist, Epigenetic Modeling About the Role As a Senior Computational Biologist dedicated to Epigenetic Modeling at Freenome, you will be responsible for developing state of the art machine learning models of methylation data for early, noninvasive tests for cancer detection. You will use a strong statistical and functional genomics foundation to develop best-in class models of epigenetic signatures of cancer. You will work closely with machine learning scientists, molecular biologists, engineers, and other computational biologists to drive the iteration of epigenetic models while ultimately developing products which can be used in the clinic. How you’ll contribute: Evaluate, develop, and improve machine learning models of epigenetic signatures of cancer, as well other diseases such as autoimmune disease and infection. Leverage existing and apply novel methods for functional genomic interpretation. Develop novel statistical models to leverage best in class molecular assays such as whole genome sequencing and whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Overcome analytical challenges inherent in the study of cell-free circulating nucleic acids and proteins. Work closely with molecular biologists to collaboratively iterate on experiments in the wet lab, as well as with computational biologists and machine learning scientists to optimize and improve algorithms. What you’ll bring: PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant, quantitative field such as computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, or equivalent. 3+ years post-PhD experience in applying computational biology for biological discovery and product development. Expertise in developing and applying both classical statistical and machine learning algorithms, such as Bayesian modeling, Hidden Markov Models, regression, SVMs, tree ensembles, etc. and using relevant libraries (Scikit Learn, XGBoost) and/or deep learning frameworks (Tensorflow, Pytorch, Keras). Expertise with biological and genomic data, tools, and public databases (e.g. ENCODE, TCGA, Blueprint, Cosmic). Industry experience applying computational biology to biological discovery and product development. Experience in a collaborative software engineering environment, including the use of automated testing, version control, and deployment systems to reproduce and accelerate research. Experience mentoring or managing junior scientists. Experience in the analysis and interpretation of chromatin accessibility technologies in genomics (e.g., ATAC-seq, DNAse-seq, MNase-seq). Experience in the analysis and interpretation of methylation-based technologies in genomics (e.g., bisulfite sequencing). Background in molecular biology, cancer biology, and regulation of molecular processes, with experience leveraging this knowledge for problems in cancer computational biology and diagnostics. Strong computational and programming skills, including thorough experience with Python statistical packages (Numpy, Matplotlib, Pandas). Equivalents in other languages like R or C/C++ are also suitable. Familiarity working in a Linux server-based environment. 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. About Freenome Freenome is on a mission to empower everyone with the tools they need to detect, treat, and ultimately prevent diseases. By applying advanced machine learning techniques to recent breakthroughs in genomic science, Freenome is developing simple blood tests to detect early-stage cancer and make treatments more effective. The company has raised $238 million from investors such as RA Capital, Polaris Partners, Perceptive Advisors, Andreessen Horowitz, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., GV (formerly Google Ventures), Roche Venture Fund, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge Ventures, Data Collective Venture Capital, Novartis and Verily Life Sciences (formerly Google Life Sciences). Our Science Freenome is building technology to gain an understanding of the body through several analytes derived from blood. These signals include cell-free DNA, methylation of cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, circulating proteins, and immune profiling derived from thousands of prospective samples. By developing novel statistical learning methods and applying them to integrate various -omics datasets, Freenome is a leader in modeling specific biological mechanisms to capture disease dependent signatures such as gene expression, immune response, tumor burden, the tissue of origin, and 3D chromatin structure. By building comprehensive discovery datasets and modeling critical biological systems, Freenome is learning what biological changes are present within the blood between a variety of different disease states including cancer, autoimmune disorders, infections, drug response, and aging. With the combination of Freenome’s datasets, cross-functional technical expertise, and mission to uncover the biological truth, we seek to positively change the lives of millions through the early detection and early treatment of disease. Our Culture Freenomers are technical and creative, visionary and grounded, empathetic and passionate. We build teams around divergent expertise, which allows us to solve problems and uncover opportunities in unique ways. Freenomers are some of the most talented experts in their fields, coming together to advance healthcare one breakthrough at a time. We value empathy, integrity, and trust in one another. That means embracing other’s perspectives, those of our coworkers and those of the patients and communities we serve. It means knowing when to push, and when to listen. At Freenome, we give each other the benefit of the doubt in the belief that we’re all working as a team toward the same goals, and empower others to grow in a collaborative environment. What does a successful person look like at Freenome? Those who thrive at Freenome prioritize, manage, and execute their own goals in alignment with those of the company. They embrace our values of empathy, integrity, and trust, and hold themselves and their team accountable. They crave collaboration with brilliant minds from unfamiliar fields of study and believe that hiring and mentorship are fundamental to our success. Above all, they welcome and provide constructive feedback and criticism, trusting in the good intentions of others, and secure in the knowledge that embracing mistakes is the best way to learn and move on. For those who crave challenges, understudied problems, and the chance to see their work impact the lives of millions of people affected by cancer every year, there’s no better place to be. Freenome is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity in every way. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
