Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs in California
Senior Bioinformatics Scientist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in the life sciences, biotechnology, and genomics sectors that anchor the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles metro regions. Employers like Genentech, Illumina, and AstraZeneca maintain deep California roots and consistently hire at the senior level for computational genomics, single-cell analysis, and multi-omics pipeline development. Demand runs from mid-career scientists stepping into lead roles through distinguished principal-level researchers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top-tier investors. Our team brings together unique and diverse expertise across multiple disciplines, from healthcare and life sciences, to engineering, to technology and software and beyond. We are a collaborative group, including successful entrepreneurs, chemists, hardware and software engineers, genomics and biotechnology experts, molecular and computational biologists, software and algorithm experts, and operations and commercial leaders. Join us to develop and commercialize technologies that unleash the power of genomics at scale and empower the future of human health.
We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Oncology Applications team!
As a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, you will develop and apply computational methods for analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generated on Ultima's platform. This role will involve building robust pipelines, developing novel algorithms, collaborating cross-functionally with molecular biology, software engineering, and product teams, and driving insights from complex genomic datasets, with a focus on growing Oncology Applications.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and can effectively balance multiple high-impact projects. In addition to core R&D responsibilities, you will contribute to external-facing scientific communications and support collaborations with customers and partners.
How You'll Contribute
- Develop, optimize, and maintain scalable bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data analysis such as WGS, WES, RNA-seq, and single-cell
- Design and implement novel algorithms for secondary and tertiary NGS analysis tailored to Ultima's sequencing chemistry
- Lead and execute multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing deliverables in alignment with evolving company goals
- Perform benchmarking and validation studies
- Analyze large-scale genomic datasets and generate actionable insights for internal R&D, product development, and external collaborators
- Collaborate closely with wet-lab scientists, software engineers, and product teams to translate experimental results into improved workflows and tools
- Support external collaborations by preparing technical analyses, reports, presentations, and data summaries for customers, partners, and conferences
- Contribute to scientific publications, application notes, white papers, and other external communication materials as needed
- Participate in customer-facing discussions to explain data analysis approaches, performance metrics, and platform capabilities
- Document methods clearly and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Stay current with emerging technologies and advances in genomics, computational biology, machine learning, and cancer biology
- Other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or related field; or MS with significant industry experience
- PhD with 2+ years or MS with 5+ years of hands-on experience analyzing NGS data is required
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++
- Experience with common bioinformatics and somatic variant calling tools such as BWA, minimap2, GATK, samtools
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and workflow management systems (Nextflow, Snakemake, WDL)
- Experience working with large datasets in cloud environments (AWS, GCP)
- Solid understanding of genomics and cancer biology
- Strong statistical and data analysis skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines
- Knowledge of machine learning approaches applied to genomics
- Clear and confident communicator, comfortable in external-facing settings
- Experience in regulated environments (CLIA, CAP) is a plus
- Thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment with evolving priorities
- Demonstrated scientific rigor and analytical thinking
- High ownership, accountability, and bias toward action
- Collaborative mindset with cross-functional agility
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000, if performed in the US
At Ultima Genomics, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. Your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending & health savings account; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.
LI-Remote
Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics' EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting recruiting@ultimagen.com.
See All 5 Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs in California
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Find JobsSenior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Fulgent Therapeutics1

- Illumina1

- Personalis1

- Rezo Therapeutics1

- Ultima Genomics1

Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
- Science & Research2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior bioinformatics scientist jobs across California.
- Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, or closely related quantitative field required
- Proficiency in Python, R, and Linux command-line for genomic data processing pipelines
- Demonstrated experience analyzing next-generation sequencing data including RNA-seq and WGS
- Prior leadership of bioinformatics projects or direct mentorship of junior scientists expected
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Google Cloud for large-scale analysis
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with wet-lab teams in a California biotech or pharma setting
Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior bioinformatics scientist in California?
The typical California path starts with a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field such as statistics or computer science, followed by postdoctoral or industry research experience. California does not require a state-issued license for this role. Most senior positions in Bay Area and San Diego biotechs expect several years of hands-on pipeline development and a publication or project record. Candidates who build expertise in single-cell sequencing, structural biology computing, or regulatory-grade data workflows move into senior roles faster in California's market.
How much do senior bioinformatics scientists make in California?
Senior bioinformatics scientists in California earn a median of about $113,530 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,770 for the lowest 10% to over $189,710 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior bioinformatics scientists in California?
Employers hiring senior bioinformatics scientists in California right now include Fulgent Therapeutics, Illumina, and Personalis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of genomics companies, oncology-focused biotechs, and large pharma R&D centers means hiring is sustained year-round rather than tied to single funding cycles.
Which California cities have the most senior bioinformatics scientist jobs?
Fremont, El Monte, and San Diego account for the largest share of senior bioinformatics scientist openings in California. The Bay Area leads because it houses the global headquarters of major genomics and therapeutics companies, while San Diego's biotech cluster around Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley drives consistent demand, and Los Angeles openings reflect growth in academic medical centers and newer precision medicine startups.
Are there remote senior bioinformatics scientist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, because bioinformatics work is inherently computational and does not require physical lab access. About 40% of senior bioinformatics scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how naturally the role fits distributed work. Pipeline development, data analysis, and cross-team collaboration tasks transfer well to remote settings, though roles with regulatory submission duties or direct wet-lab integration tend to require at least partial on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a senior bioinformatics scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral fellowship at a California research university such as UC San Francisco, UC San Diego, or UCLA, which directly feeds the Bay Area and San Diego biotech pipelines. Many California biotechs also hire associate bioinformatics scientists or research associates with strong master's-level skills in Python and NGS analysis as a bridge role. Building a public GitHub portfolio with real sequencing workflows, contributing to open-source genomics tools, and networking through the Bay Area Bioinformatics community substantially improves candidacy without years of industry experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior bioinformatics scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior bioinformatics scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, genomics, and academic medical centers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
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