Scientist - Computational Biology
Volta Labs
Operations
Boston, MA, USA
Posted on Dec 8, 2024
ABOUT US:
Volta Labs is an applications company that is revolutionizing the future of genomics. We are a Boston based, venture-backed biotech startup that makes extracting vital information from biological samples is as simple as pressing a button, through our flagship product Callisto. Our product speeds up processing time for scientists and increases accessibility to important genetic information for patients. Sitting at the intersection of science and engineering, we invite you to join us on our journey to shape the future of genomics, where insatiable curiosity is encouraged and every Voltarian makes an impact.
THE TEAM:
You'll join a team of innovative thinkers who love to experiment, collaborate, and win together. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of automation, biology, computing, robotics, design, and user experience to benefit our customers and the world.
The Role:
- We’re a startup, we launched our Instrument and platform to early-adopting customers this year. We are now expanding the capabilities of the platform by launching new NGS applications and automated workflows.
- The Scientist - Computational Biology will report to the Head of Applications Development, becoming an integral part of the applications development team. You’ll own the development and maintenance of bioinformatic pipelines across all upcoming applications currently identified in our product portfolio.
- This is a critical role that has strategic and hands-on elements, perfect for a builder type who craves visible impact in a growing team.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities & First Year Expectations:
- As a Scientist at Volta Labs, you’ll work closely with our team of bioengineers and biologists, focusing on understanding and optimizing workflow performance for a range of genomic applications.
- Support Application development: Contribute to the experimental design, analysis, and optimization of Applications development on Callisto across all applications, our Sample Prep System.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Application Development team to translate application requirements into technical solutions, validating that performance meets or exceeds specifications.
- Data-Driven Development: Use existing workflows and data to guide development and analysis, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Complete onboarding, gaining a foundational understanding of automated liquid handling on Callisto and our overarching approach to genomic assay development on the platform.
- Gain a deep understanding of pipelines and metrics that are essential for key applications.
- Begin optimizing bioinformatic pipelines and implementing new features as necessary
- Collaborate with R&D Scientists to analyze sequencing data
- Take full ownership of developing bioinformatic pipelines and managing AWS infrastructure
- Continuously refine and optimize bioinformatics workflows
- Begin developing new bioinformatic workflows
- Work cross functionally with marketing to communicate data to external stakeholders
- Grow cross-functionally, interacting with both R&D and marketing teams
- Continuously develop and refine bioinformatic workflows
- Become a leader in identifying and implementing workflows problems, continuously engaging in self-directed learning, and relaying information to the team
Day-to-Day:
Within 3 Months, You’ll…
By 6 Months, You’ll…
At 12+ Months, You’ll…
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Life Sciences PhD with a strong background in bioinformatics
- Strong background in bioinformatics and analysis
- Proficient with standard bioinformatics tools and libraries
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Singularity)
- Demonstrated experience with cloud computing infrastructure like AWS (EC2, S3, ECR)
- Strong programming skills (command line, Linux, Python/R)
- Familiarity with statistics (using R or Python)
- Familiarity with Git/version control
- Presentation skills, excellent communication skills and teamwork abilities
- Presentation and communication skills; able to work well within a team
- Efficient, creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Willingness to be hands-on
- Highly collaborative; comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams
- Self-motivated and organized
- Thrives in a fast-paced, team-focused environment with changing priorities; proactive team player who thinks ahead, plans, and focuses on solutions
- Continuous learner with a growth mindset
- Embraces Volta’s Operating Principles
- 1-2 years of wet-lab experience
- Experience analyzing data from multiple sequencing platforms (short and long read)
- Experience interpreting variant calling
- Experience with hybridization capture analysis
- Familiarity with Nextflow and Seqera platform
- Life Sciences PhD with strong background in bioinformatics, or MSc with 4+ years experience across systems
Must-Haves:
Nice-to-Haves:
Education and Experience:
This is a full-time position that requires a significant amount of in-person work and collaboration onsite at our Seaport Office in Boston, MA. If you are unable to relocate or commute to the Boston MA area, this role won't be a match.
Our Benefits and Perks:
• Robust Equity Program, to build future wealth through stock options with high growth potential
• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage, including Medical, Dental, & Vision
• HSA with monthly company contribution, & FSA
• Sponsored Commuter Benefit Plans
• Access to Our 401K Plan, to save for your future
• 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off, because we understand the importance of time off for rest and adventure
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Twice Weekly Company Lunches, office snacks, beverages, & treats
• Monthly Team Happy Hours and regular team outings!
We are an equal opportunity employer and foster diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, and we actively seek out and value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself positively contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of genomics!