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Variant Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

San Carlos, CA · On-site

... robust performance for variant calling, fusion detection, and automated quality control ... PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Cancer Biology or similar field ...

Natera

Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$130K - $163K/yr

... robust performance for variant calling, fusion detection, and automated quality control ... PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Cancer Biology or similar field ...

EdenRoc Sciences

Scientific Sales, Oncology

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

This role will support our genomic variant products and services business unit-directly targeting ... Position Requirements: • Bachelor of Science • 3-5+ years' proven track record selling into the ...

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Variant Scientist information

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$17

$46

$79

How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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 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 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.
More about Variant Scientist jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Variant Scientist jobs in California? For Variant Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Variant Scientist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Variant Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,835 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Bioinformatics Engineer - Variant

LatchBio

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Bioinformatics Engineer - Variant
As molecular data generation and frontier model intelligence grows, new approaches to data analysis are needed across the biotech industry. Latch is building intelligent, high-performance agents for biological data analysis, empowering over 5,000 scientists across 150+ R&D labs to handle data from instrument-to-insights.
We're seeking a Bioinformatics Engineerto join our Variant team working at the frontier of what artificial intelligence can achieve in biology.
About the Role
You'll design, build, and evaluate LLM benchmarks for genomic analysis - spanning read alignment, assembly, variant calling, GWAS, causal inference, and multiomics integration. Your benchmarks and evaluations will set the bar for how well AI agents can serve as analysis partners for scientists working with human genetics data.
You'll own the full evaluation pipeline: choosing datasets, defining failure modes, writing grading scripts, and shipping evaluations that measure real capability. Your work directly impacts how LLMs reason through genomic problems.
Requirements
  • Master's or PhD in bioinformatics, genetics, biology, statistics, or related field
  • 3-5 years of hands-on research experience analyzing genomics datasets (especially human data), demonstrated through publications or industry work
  • Deep expertise in at least one of: population genetics, statistical genetics, clinical genomics
  • Fluency with genotyping workflows: variant calling, fine-mapping, Mendelian randomization

Nice-to-Have
  • Experience building open-source bioinformatics software
  • Familiarity with LLM-powered tools, prompting, or evaluation frameworks
  • Background in cross-trait analysis or multiomics integration

Culture @ Latch
How we work. Genuinely flexible schedules - we just ask that you communicate when you're coming in later than usual. We care most about hard work and output. We're respectfully opinionated, it will always be us against problems, not each other. Optimize for each other's time and bring solutions, not just problems. You'll join a bench suited to your expertise, but we value cross-domain learning and interoperability across teams.
The office & perks. Waterfront office near Oracle Park, 2x free daily meals, unlimited snacks, company outings most months, and team offsites. Plus a vibrant community: cycling, soccer, figure skating, boxing, run clubs, reading clubs, martial arts, music, game nights.
Compensation & Logistics
  • 1099 (or W8-BEN) contract, 40 hrs/week, no end date
  • Fully performance-based pay: $120K-$180K, uncapped upside. 2x quota = 2x pay.
  • 2-4 week paid ramp - full OTE from day one
  • Remote (globally), hybrid, or onsite in SF (onsite preferred)
  • Work authorization: OPT visa holders only (not STEM Extension)
  • Onsite perks: 2x free meals/day, waterfront office (China Basin), monthly parking (based on availability)
  • Candidates with all of the above qualifications + proven management skills will be eligible for more senior positions

Interview Process
Timeline: We move fast: 8-12 days from submission to offer.
  1. Intro Screen - Techcnial Recruiter
  2. Take-Home Project - HackerRank
  3. Technical Interview - Member of Technical Staff
  4. Culture Interview - C-Suite (If applicable)
  5. Offer
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About LatchBio

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2021

Social media

Twitter

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