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Variant Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prolific Machines

Analytical Scientist I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Analytical Science team is looking for a talented scientist to collaboratively work with our R& ... Have illustrated the ability to develop, execute, and interpret aggregation and charge variant ...

Replit

Data Scientist, Product

Foster City, CA · On-site

$210K - $350K/yr

Who You are You're a data scientist who moves fast and goes deep. You can spin up an analysis in ... Design and analyze a complex multi-variant experiment testing pricing, onboarding, and feature ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

SAP VC Solution Architect

Fremont, CA · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Architect and deliver end-to-end SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC/Advanced Variant Configuration ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

BioNano

Clinical Lab Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Partner with laboratory operations, quality, technical, clinical, scientific, and research teams on ... Working knowledge of ACMG/AMP and related professional guidance for copy number, sequence variant ...

Natera

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA

$128K - $167K/yr

Oversee the review of genetic and CNV variant data: interpret NGS and microarray results in the ... Analyze lab data, contribute to or write publications for high-quality scientific journals. * May ...

Natera

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

Oversee the review of genetic and CNV variant data: interpret NGS and microarray results in the ... Analyze lab data, contribute to or write publications for high-quality scientific journals. * May ...

Verily

Senior Product Manager, Sightline

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$140.50 - $210.50/hr

Proven ability to translate intricate scientific data parameters (such as assay configurations, signal-to-noise ratios, and variant abundances) into structured, scannable technical requirements for ...

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All JobsVariant Scientist JobsVariant Scientist Jobs in California

Variant Scientist information

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$46

$79

How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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.
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For Variant Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Variant Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,835 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Analytical Scientist I

Prolific Machines

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our mission is to make next-generation therapies broadly available to patients. Our first-of-its-kind Photomolecular Platform uses light to precisely guide how cells produce complex biologics, enabling higher titers, improved quality, and faster development timelines. By helping partners overcome today's manufacturing bottlenecks, we're accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, and SOSV.
Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.
The Analytical Science team is looking for a talented scientist to collaboratively work with our R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins. A successful candidate will bring an outcome-oriented skillset to recombinant protein quantification and characterization. You will work collaboratively with our teams to produce and purify diverse proteins from cell culture processes and be comfortable conducting a wide range of protein quality assessments. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, optimize, and validate assays for protein quality and purity for broad classes of recombinant therapeutic proteins.
  • Plan and execute experimentation to understand protein quality through cell line, upstream and downstream process development.
  • Execute, summarize, and interpret routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations.
  • Qualify and validate assays upholding highly rigorous standards for execution and documentation.
  • Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (HPLCs, FPLCs, mass spectrometers).
  • Author, review, and implement methods, protocols, validations, and standard operating procedures.
  • Ensure processes are followed in accordance with these standards.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, with 1+ years of biologics industry experience. Candidates without a PhD but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Have illustrated experience in therapeutic protein characterization approaches (eg. HPLC, SDS, CE, cIEF, LC-MS).
  • Have illustrated the ability to develop, execute, and interpret intact mass, sequence confirmation, and PTM analysis (e.g., glycosylation, disulfide mapping, peptide mapping) through mass spectrometry.
  • Have illustrated the ability to develop, execute, and interpret aggregation and charge variant characterizations for biologics.
  • Have experience in the development and execution of GLP-compliant methods characterizing protein quality attributes across a wide range of therapeutic classes.
  • Have hands-on experience operating LC-MS. Experience with Agilent QTOF instrumentation applied to assay protein quality is a plus, including familiarity with proteomic software.
  • Are highly motivated to deliver successful outcomes for internal and external clients.
  • Are excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
  • Have strong communication skills and are comfortable teaching and sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.

$120,000 - $140,000 a year
This role is salaried, exempt, and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range for the Scientist I level will typically fall between $120k-$140k.
Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events!
Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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