Senior Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Bioinformatics Scientists rank among the stronger H-1B visa 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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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding 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.
Senior Bioinformatics Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Senior Bioinformatics Scientist 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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