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Variant Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI Biologist - Variant

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $180K/yr

Bioinformatics Engineer - Variant As molecular data generation and frontier model intelligence ... scientists across 150+ R&D labs to handle data from instrument-to-insights. We're seeking a ...

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Variant Scientist information

See California salary details

$17

$46

$79

How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for variant scientist in California is $46.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.43 and $58.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a variant scientist?

Variant Scientists are professionals who analyze genetic variants—differences in DNA sequences—to determine their significance in health and disease. They interpret genomic data, often from whole-genome or exome sequencing, to assess whether specific variants may cause or contribute to medical conditions. Their work is crucial in clinical genetics, precision medicine, and biomedical research, helping guide patient diagnosis and treatment. Variant Scientists collaborate with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and laboratory personnel to provide accurate and actionable genetic insights.

What does a variant scientist do?

As a variant scientist, you work for a research laboratory in a university or a medical facility to test and study variations of genes and the effects they have on human development. As part of your duties, you aid in the development of new tests to discover gene abnormalities, perform analysis on patient samples to identify possible mutations, and record your findings to assist in scientific research. You also have heavy reporting responsibilities that may require in-depth computer and writing skills, the ability to analyze data, and strong attention to detail. In this role, you may cater to a specific health field, like pediatrics or oncology.

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

To thrive as a Variant Scientist, you need a solid background in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc in a related field. Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, variant annotation tools, and data analysis software like GATK or ANNOVAR is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex genetic data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate variant interpretation, drive discoveries, and support precision medicine initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by variant scientists in interpreting genetic data, and how are these typically addressed within a team?

Variant Scientists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between benign and pathogenic variants, managing large volumes of sequencing data, and staying updated with rapidly evolving genetic databases. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with bioinformaticians, clinical geneticists, and laboratory personnel to review findings and validate interpretations. Regular team meetings, use of standardized classification guidelines like ACMG, and leveraging advanced software tools help ensure accurate and consistent variant analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Variant Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Variant Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Variant Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Variant Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,835 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Variant Classification

Labcorp

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Labcorp rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 1,153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Labcorp is a global leader in laboratory services, providing the insights and answers that help healthcare providers, patients, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve outcomes. Through our unparalleled science, data, technology and laboratory network, we advance diagnostics, accelerate innovation and help address some of the world's most important health challenges. As we shape the future of healthcare, we are leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent digital solutions and data-driven innovation across our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients. With our global scale and deep expertise, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, grow your career and make a real impact on people's health around the world. Together, we're improving health and improving lives.


Labcorpis seeking aStaff Software Engineer, Variant Classificationto join ourLabcorpGeneticsteam.

Work Schedule:This is a fulltime, exempt (salaried) position assigned to a First Shift schedule, with standard business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in your local time zone.Business needs may occasionally require flexibility in work hours, including earlier, later, or additional hours, with reasonable notice provided when possible.

Applicants who live within 35 miles of either the Burlington, NC or Durham, NC location will follow a hybrid schedule. This schedule includes a minimum of three in-office days per week at an assigned location, either Burlington or Durham, supporting both collaboration and flexibility.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Design and build tools that define, store, and provide meaningful variant, sample, and test level information to supportaccuratevariant interpretation and report generation

  • Develop andmaintainsystems that translate raw bioinformatic data into variant and sample level information, including registration, normalization, observation groups, and quality metrics

  • Scale andoptimizestorage of sample level information to support growing data needs

  • Source,maintain, and provide annotations at the variant level necessary foraccuratevariant interpretation

  • Automate evidence placement and classification for variant interpretation

  • Support test content and assay development initiatives

  • Collaborate with data scientists, variant scientists, and software developers to design and implement solutions that meet stakeholder requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 10 or more years of recent professional software development experience

  • 10 or more years of experience with Python (intermediate level or higher)

  • 10 or more years of experience with relational databases and web development frameworks

  • 10 or more years of experience with front-end technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML/CSS)

  • 10 or more years of experience with RESTful APIs and microservices architecture

  • 10 or more years of experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices

  • 10 or more years of experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology or life sciences

  • 8 or more years of experience mentoring and developing senior and junior engineers across multiple teams

  • 8 or more years of experience defining technical vision and driving multi-year roadmaps

  • 3 or more years of experience with bioinformatic tools and annotation

  • 3 or more years of experience with variant databases and genomic data resources (e.g.,ClinVar,gnomAD, HGMD)

  • 3 or more years of experience in Spark, text mining, natural language processing, semantic enrichment, ontologies, data mining, or machine learning/AI

  • 3 or more years of experience with public-domain biomedical terminologies (e.g.,MeSH, NCIt, HGNC)

  • 3 or more years of experience translating complex scientific questions into information solutions

  • Current or prior Labcorp experience

Additional Job Standards:

  • Owns and delivers product or platform goals across multiple years and teams, setting a high standard for technical outcomes and delivery

  • Defines the vision, scope, and technical approach for large, business-impacting projects with organization-wide implications

  • Identifies, prioritizes, and drives solutions to ambiguous, open-ended problems across multiple teams

  • Influences the roadmaps of partner teams to align with and achieve broader business goals

  • Serves as a role model and technical authority for engineers across multiple teams

  • Effective verbal and written communicator with both scientific and non-scientific audiences

  • Effective with GitHub Copilot, Claude Code or similar LLM tools to accelerate coding, testing and documentation

AboutLabcorpGenetics
Labcorp Genetics (formerlyInvitae) is dedicated to bringing comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. The Variant Classification team builds andmaintainsthe tools that define, store, and provide meaningful and detailed variant, sample, and test level information to supportaccuratevariant interpretation and report generation. Our services supportinterpretation reportingof genetic variants and assay development across a suite of critical platforms including SDS, VDB, Argus,iVEP, Evidence Service,MoonPy, Cerebro, Universal Transcript Archive,SeqRepo, and Assay CMS.

AtLabcorpwe have a passion for helping people live happy and healthy lives. Every day we provide vital information that helps our clients and patients understand their health. If you are passionate about helping people and have a drive for service, thenLabcorpcould be a great next career step!

Application Window:8/29/2026

Pay Range:$100K - $198K/yr

All job offers will bebased on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicabledegrees/certifications,as well as internal equity and market data.

LBP Only:The position is also eligible for an annual bonus under the Labcorp Bonus Plan.Bonuses are payable based on corporate and/or business segment performance and are subject to individual performance modifiers.

Benefits:Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan.Employees who are regularly scheduled toworka 7 on/7 off schedule are eligible to receive all the foregoing benefits except PTO or FTO. For more detailed information, pleaseclick here.


Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law.


We encourage all to apply

If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance using our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or needs an accommodation, please visit ouraccessibility siteor contact us atLabcorp Accessibility. Formore information about how we collect and store your personal data, please see ourPrivacy Statement.



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