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Population Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

23andMe

Scientist, Population Genetics

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

D. in Population Genetics, Human Genetics, Statistical Genetics, or a related quantitative field (e.g., Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics). * Strong expertise in population ...

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Population Science information

What is population science?

Population science is a multidisciplinary field that studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It combines elements of epidemiology, biostatistics, demography, and social sciences to understand how social, environmental, and genetic factors influence health outcomes. Researchers in population science analyze data to identify health trends, inform public health policy, and improve healthcare delivery. The field plays a crucial role in addressing public health challenges such as chronic diseases, pandemics, and health disparities.

What jobs for a population studies master?

A master’s in population science prepares individuals for roles such as epidemiologist, public health analyst, demographic researcher, or policy analyst. These jobs often involve data analysis, statistical software, and understanding of health or social systems, typically requiring strong research and communication skills.

What is a population scientist?

A population scientist studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and demographic trends within populations. They often analyze data using statistical tools and may work in public health, epidemiology, or research settings to inform policy and improve health outcomes.

Is population health a good career?

Population science careers focus on analyzing health data, developing policies, and improving public health outcomes. These roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of epidemiology, and proficiency with statistical tools, making it a valuable field for those interested in health research and policy development.

Are biomedical scientists in high demand?

Biomedical scientists, including those in population science, are in high demand due to ongoing research in public health, disease prevention, and healthcare. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as advancements in technology and data analysis tools increase the need for specialized skills in research and data interpretation.

What are some common challenges faced by population scientists when working with large datasets, and how can these be addressed?

Population scientists often work with complex, large-scale datasets that present challenges such as data quality issues, missing values, and the need for advanced statistical methods. Ensuring data accuracy and dealing with incomplete data require strong analytical skills and familiarity with data cleaning techniques. Collaboration with biostatisticians, data managers, and subject matter experts is essential to interpret results accurately and develop robust research findings. Staying updated on the latest data analysis tools and methodologies can help population scientists overcome these challenges and produce impactful research.

What is the difference between Population Science vs Epidemiology?

AspectPopulation ScienceEpidemiology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Health, Population Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, public health agencies, universitiesHospitals, research centers, public health departments
Industry UsageUsed broadly in public health research, policy planning, and community healthFocused on disease patterns, causes, and prevention strategies

Population Science and Epidemiology share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Population Science has a broader focus on community and population health, while Epidemiology concentrates specifically on disease patterns and causes. Both roles are vital in public health, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes in research and policy development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Population Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Population Scientist, you need a solid background in epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methodology, typically supported by an advanced degree in public health or a related field. Proficiency with statistical software like R, SAS, or SPSS, as well as experience with large datasets and data visualization tools, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills help you interpret findings and work effectively with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are critical for generating reliable insights that inform public health policy and improve population health outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Population Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Population Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Population Science jobs in California? For Population Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Population Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Population Science jobs in California are:
Population Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Population Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Scientist, Population Genetics

23andMe

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

23andMe is looking for a quantitative scientist with extensive experience in population genetics and statistical modeling of human genetics data to join our R&D team. You will leverage your expertise and work collaboratively with scientists, software engineers, and product managers to build out consumer data products that illuminate the story of human interconnectedness, exploring everything from immediate family lineages to deep human history, as it relates to both ancestry and health.
With the world's largest database of more than 11 million research-consented customers, 23andMe is at the forefront of using genetics to transform the understanding of human connection and health. Join our growing team to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.
Who We Are
We are a group of individuals passionate about genetic discovery. 23andMe Research Institute is a nonprofit medical research organization that enables people everywhere to access their genetic information, learn about themselves, and participate in the world's largest crowdsourced research initiative. The Institute aims to be the world's most significant contributor to scientific advancement, uniting people with the common goal of improving health and deepening our understanding of DNA - the code of life.
What You'll Do
  • Design, evolve, and implement state-of-the-art algorithms for genetic relationship and ancestry inference.
  • Scale pedigree inference across millions of individuals and many generations by leveraging massive phased identity-by-descent data.
  • Synergistically combine array-based genotyping and sequencing data in your work.
  • Develop methods enabling individuals to trace trait inheritance across their pedigrees.
  • Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and others to deploy customer features.
  • Regularly present and communicate research to internal and external stakeholders.

What You'll Bring
  • Ph.D. in Population Genetics, Human Genetics, Statistical Genetics, or a related quantitative field (e.g., Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics).
  • Strong expertise in population genetics, demonstrated by prior work experience and/or publications.
  • Research experience using machine-learning and statistical modeling techniques to analyze large-scale human genetics and genomics datasets.
  • Broad expertise in the Python scientific ecosystem, spanning data analysis, machine learning, plotting, prototyping, and collaborative version control.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, team-oriented, and fast-paced environment.

Strongly Preferred
  • Experience developing family pedigrees using genetic data from relatives.
  • Experience working with sequencing data, such as whole-genome and/or exome data.
  • Experience applying modern software development practices, including some of the following: automated testing, containerization, cloud computing, and CI/CD.
  • Some postdoctoral or industry experience.
  • San Francisco Bay Area location, or willingness to relocate.

About Us
23andMe, headquartered in California, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. The company's mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA authorizations for genetic health risk reports. The company has created the world's largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80 percent of its customers electing to participate. 23andMe research participants consent to research conducted by 23andMe which is overseen by an independent third-party Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulated under the 'Common Rule' (45 CFR part 46). More information is available at www.23andme.com/research.
At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at accommodations-ext@23andme.com. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.
Pay Transparency
23andMe takes a market-based approach to pay, and amounts will vary depending on your geographic location. The salary range reflected here is for a candidate based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
San Francisco Bay Area Base Pay Range
$145,000-$200,000

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