Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Bioinformatics Scientists rank among the stronger H-1B candidates, the role requires a directly related graduate degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related field, and USCIS consistently recognizes it as a specialty occupation. Biotech, pharma, and research institutions sponsor regularly. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
NATIONAL LEADERS IN PEDIATRIC CARE
Ranked among the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) provides the best care for kids in California.
Here world-class experts in medicine, education and research work together to deliver family-centered care half a million times each year. From primary to complex critical care, more than 350 programs and services are offered, each one specially designed for children.
The CHLA of the future is brighter than can be imagined. Investments in technology, research and innovation will create care that is personal, convenient and empowering. Our scientists will work with clinical experts to take laboratory discoveries and create treatments that are a perfect match for every patient. And together, CHLA team members will turn health care into health transformation.
Join a hospital where the work you do will matter—to you, to your colleagues, and above all, to our patients and families. The work will be challenging, but always rewarding.
It’s Work That Matters.
Overview:
This position is Hybrid: flexibility to vary based on research needs.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Senior Bioinformatics Scientist will lead the computational analysis of biological data. Will analyze, manage, and interpret experimental results from sequencing, high throughput, spatial, and/or other techniques in order to identify factors that are causal to or associated with genetic disorders or childhood cancers. Will establish workflows and software packages. Will develop customized pipelines, databases and novel methodologies as needed. The Senior Bioinformatics Scientist may have a role in mentoring junior bioinformatics analysts, and may lead various research projects that will result in novel insights and publications. Will also provide research support to investigators and assist in training investigators and new users to use bioinformatics applications and databases.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD degree and 3+ years of related work experience.
- Or Master’s degree and 5+ years of related work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex novel computational methods/algorithms.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and perform analysis of large-scale complex data sets including statistical tests, quality analysis, and machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain and or natural language processing.
- Experience with genomic/proteomic data analysis methods.
- Proficiency in various open source and commercially available bioinformatics resources, platforms and software.
- Advanced - expert level linux background and bash scripting experience.
- Expert object-oriented programming experience (C++, R and, or Java) with advanced visualization (HTML5, CSS, Javascript and Shiny).
- Advanced - expert scripting language experience (Perl and Python).
- Advanced - expert database development; structured and unstructured (SQL/MySQL/MongoDB/Redis).
- Familiarity with various publicly available databases such as HGMD, ClinVar, TCGA, ICGC, Ensembl, Refseq, UCSC, 1000 Genome and ExAC.
- Perform variant calling for rare and common variants from whole-genome sequencing data using state-of-the-art genomic analysis pipelines, including DRAGEN.
- Classify and annotate rare variants according to ACMG guidelines to support clinical and research applications.
- Conduct global and local ancestry analyses to enhance variant interpretation and improve diagnostic yield in diverse populations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geneticists and clinicians, to interpret genomic findings and develop actionable insights.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and overlapping deadlines and dependencies.
- Prepare and present research findings in formal reports and at scientific conferences, as well as contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience in NGS data analysis.
EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Required: Master’s degree in bioinformatics or a related field.
Preferred: PhD degree in bioinformatics or a related field.
PAY SCALE INFORMATION
CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. CHLA looks forward to introducing you to our world-class organization where we create hope and build healthier futures.
Posting Range: $104,395.00-$178,963.00
Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health both here and across the globe. As a premier Magnet teaching hospital, you’ll find an environment that’s alive with learning, rooted in care and compassion, and home to thought leadership and unwavering support. CHLA is dedicated to creating hope and building healthier futures – for our patients, as well as for you and your career!
CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. CHLA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.
Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.
Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.
INTRODUCTION
NATIONAL LEADERS IN PEDIATRIC CARE
Ranked among the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) provides the best care for kids in California.
Here world-class experts in medicine, education and research work together to deliver family-centered care half a million times each year. From primary to complex critical care, more than 350 programs and services are offered, each one specially designed for children.
The CHLA of the future is brighter than can be imagined. Investments in technology, research and innovation will create care that is personal, convenient and empowering. Our scientists will work with clinical experts to take laboratory discoveries and create treatments that are a perfect match for every patient. And together, CHLA team members will turn health care into health transformation.
Join a hospital where the work you do will matter—to you, to your colleagues, and above all, to our patients and families. The work will be challenging, but always rewarding.
It’s Work That Matters.
Overview:
This position is Hybrid: flexibility to vary based on research needs.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Senior Bioinformatics Scientist will lead the computational analysis of biological data. Will analyze, manage, and interpret experimental results from sequencing, high throughput, spatial, and/or other techniques in order to identify factors that are causal to or associated with genetic disorders or childhood cancers. Will establish workflows and software packages. Will develop customized pipelines, databases and novel methodologies as needed. The Senior Bioinformatics Scientist may have a role in mentoring junior bioinformatics analysts, and may lead various research projects that will result in novel insights and publications. Will also provide research support to investigators and assist in training investigators and new users to use bioinformatics applications and databases.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD degree and 3+ years of related work experience.
- Or Master’s degree and 5+ years of related work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex novel computational methods/algorithms.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and perform analysis of large-scale complex data sets including statistical tests, quality analysis, and machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain and or natural language processing.
- Experience with genomic/proteomic data analysis methods.
- Proficiency in various open source and commercially available bioinformatics resources, platforms and software.
- Advanced - expert level linux background and bash scripting experience.
- Expert object-oriented programming experience (C++, R and, or Java) with advanced visualization (HTML5, CSS, Javascript and Shiny).
- Advanced - expert scripting language experience (Perl and Python).
- Advanced - expert database development; structured and unstructured (SQL/MySQL/MongoDB/Redis).
- Familiarity with various publicly available databases such as HGMD, ClinVar, TCGA, ICGC, Ensembl, Refseq, UCSC, 1000 Genome and ExAC.
- Perform variant calling for rare and common variants from whole-genome sequencing data using state-of-the-art genomic analysis pipelines, including DRAGEN.
- Classify and annotate rare variants according to ACMG guidelines to support clinical and research applications.
- Conduct global and local ancestry analyses to enhance variant interpretation and improve diagnostic yield in diverse populations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geneticists and clinicians, to interpret genomic findings and develop actionable insights.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and overlapping deadlines and dependencies.
- Prepare and present research findings in formal reports and at scientific conferences, as well as contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience in NGS data analysis.
EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Required: Master’s degree in bioinformatics or a related field.
Preferred: PhD degree in bioinformatics or a related field.
PAY SCALE INFORMATION
CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. CHLA looks forward to introducing you to our world-class organization where we create hope and build healthier futures.
Posting Range: $104,395.00-$178,963.00
Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health both here and across the globe. As a premier Magnet teaching hospital, you’ll find an environment that’s alive with learning, rooted in care and compassion, and home to thought leadership and unwavering support. CHLA is dedicated to creating hope and building healthier futures – for our patients, as well as for you and your career!
CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. CHLA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.
Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.
Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist
Target biotech and pharma employers with established R&D pipelines
Large biopharmaceutical companies and well-funded biotech startups sponsor H-1B visas far more consistently than academic labs or early-stage startups. Focus your search on companies with active drug development programs and dedicated computational biology teams.
Lead with your degree field, not just your job title
USCIS approves H-1B petitions for bioinformatics roles based on degree-to-job alignment. A master's or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, or genomics strengthens your petition significantly. Computer science degrees without biological focus can complicate the specialty occupation argument.
Document your tool stack and domain expertise explicitly
Sponsoring employers need to write a detailed job description for the LCA and I-129. Roles requiring specific skills like GATK, Nextflow, or single-cell RNA-seq analysis are easier to defend as requiring a specialized degree than generic 'data analysis' descriptions.
Research institutions and national labs are underrated sponsors
NIH-affiliated research centers, university medical schools, and national laboratories like Broad Institute regularly sponsor senior bioinformatics roles. These organizations often use cap-exempt H-1B petitions, meaning no lottery and faster processing timelines than commercial employers.
A senior title signals a stronger specialty occupation case
Senior-level bioinformatics roles carry more weight in H-1B adjudications than entry-level positions. The seniority implies complexity and independent judgment, both of which support the argument that a theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge is required.
Check an employer's H-1B filing history before applying
Not every biotech or research company has sponsored visas before. Prioritizing employers with a track record of successful H-1B filings in computational biology or life sciences reduces the risk of delays, RFEs, or an employer backing out mid-process.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Senior Bioinformatics Scientist is consistently approved as a specialty occupation under H-1B. USCIS recognizes that the role requires at least a bachelor's degree, and typically a graduate degree, in a directly related field such as bioinformatics, computational biology, or genomics. Employers in pharma, biotech, and research institutions sponsor this role with a relatively low rate of requests for evidence compared to more ambiguous job titles.
What degree do I need for an employer to sponsor my H-1B as a bioinformatics scientist?
A master's or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or a closely related field gives you the strongest petition. A bachelor's degree in those same fields is technically sufficient, but graduate credentials are common at the senior level and make the specialty occupation argument easier for your employer's immigration attorney to build. A computer science degree without significant biological coursework may trigger additional scrutiny.
Are there cap-exempt H-1B options for senior bioinformatics roles?
Yes, and they're worth pursuing. Universities, university-affiliated research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations like the Broad Institute or Jackson Laboratory qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. That means no lottery, no April 1 filing window, and petitions can be filed year-round with faster adjudication. Many senior bioinformatics positions exist at these institutions, and sponsorship is routine.
How do I find Senior Bioinformatics Scientist jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles open to visa sponsorship, which saves significant time compared to manually screening postings. Biotech hubs like Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and the Research Triangle in North Carolina concentrate the highest density of sponsoring employers for bioinformatics roles. Searching by location and seniority level on Migrate Mate gives you a shortlist of employers already willing to sponsor.
Can an O-1A visa work for a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist instead of H-1B?
Possibly, if you have a strong publication record, have presented at major conferences, or hold leadership roles in professional organizations. The O-1A requires evidence of extraordinary ability, which in bioinformatics could include high-citation publications, significant grants, or recognized contributions to genomics or computational methods. It's a viable path if you missed the H-1B lottery and have the credentials to support it.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Bioinformatics Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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