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Variant Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

University of Chicago

Data Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and variant interpretation. * Builds and implements computational workflows for data quality ... Bachelor's degree or higher in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science ...

The University of Chicago

Data Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and variant interpretation. * Builds and implements computational workflows for data quality ... Bachelor's degree or higher in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science ...

The University of Chicago

Data Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and variant interpretation. * Builds and implements computational workflows for data quality ... Bachelor's degree or higher in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science ...

University of Chicago Library

Data Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and variant interpretation. * Builds and implements computational workflows for data quality ... Bachelor's degree or higher in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science ...

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$48

$83

How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for variant scientist in Chicago, IL is $48.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.04 and $61.19 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 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 Variant Scientists?

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.
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Variant Scientist jobs near you
Manager, Genetic Product Quality (Fully Remote) -- Variant Interpretation

Manager, Genetic Product Quality (Fully Remote) -- Variant Interpretation

Genomenon

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Our Company

Genomenon is an AI-driven genetic intelligence company on a mission to save and improve lives by making biomedical information actionable. Rare diseases and cancer affect more than 30 million people in the U.S. alone and hundreds of millions globally, yet most patients still face long diagnostic journeys and limited treatment options. Our goal is clear and ambitious: to deliver the information that shapes diagnosis and treatment for every rare disease and cancer patient.

We sit at the intersection of AI, genomics, and real world evidence. Genomenon transforms the global scientific literature into a literature derived, real world evidence (RWE) engine for precision medicine—combining large-scale AI with expert human curation to deliver clean, clinically actionable datasets. This approach fills critical gaps left by EHR and claims data, especially in rare disease and oncology, by showing how patients actually present, progress, and respond to therapy.

We turn vast, complex biomedical data—spanning genomics, clinical evidence, and scientific literature—into trusted intelligence that helps clinicians make better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, and supports life sciences organizations in bringing better therapies to market faster.

Our work has real, measurable impact. Genomenon's platforms and services are used by more than 250 clinical laboratories and pharma organizations worldwide to support diagnostic interpretation, variant curation, and evidence-based decision-making across the drug development lifecycle.

Each year, our technology helps inform care for tens of thousands of patients facing rare, complex, and time-sensitive conditions—reducing uncertainty and delivering answers when they matter most.

What makes Genomenon unique is our ability to support both clinical diagnostics and pharmaceutical innovation on a shared foundation of advanced AI, deep domain expertise, and rigorously curated data.

  • In the clinic, our solutions directly influence real world patient outcomes.
  • In pharma, we enable teams to harness literature derived RWE across clinical trial development, regulatory, and commercial workflows—turning fragmented biomedical knowledge into a strategic asset and emerging as the trusted data layer for genomic diagnostics and precision therapeutics.

If you're motivated by impact, energized by complexity, and excited to help shape the future of rare disease diagnosis and treatment, there's no better place to do that work.

Genomenon /ge.gno.mai.non/
Source language: ancient Greek
  1. Verb
    to come into being
    to be born out of need
  2. Noun
    the leader in genomic intelligence
Our Community

Genomenon team members are thoughtful, ambitious, and mission-driven professionals working across states and countries. Our team brings together scientists, clinicians, engineers, and commercial leaders who collaborate as equals and learn from one another every day.

We value curiosity, accountability, and people who thrive in fast-moving, high-impact environments.

We are guided by our core values:

  • Always Learning: Approach challenges with curiosity and a growth mindset
  • Data-Driven: Ask a lot of questions and look to the evidence for answers
  • Humbly Confident: Aware of the value that we and others bring to the team
  • Customer & Patient Driven: Put patients and customers first in everything we do
  • True Grit: Embody passion and persistence, and aren't afraid of hard work
This role requires variant interpretation experience in a clinical or equivalent settingAbout the Opportunity:

Full-time, US-based remote opportunity

At Genomenon, we are at the forefront of genomics research and innovation, with a mission to accelerate genetic discoveries and improve patient care.

We are seeking a Manager, Product Quality (Variant Interpretation) to lead the scientific rigor, consistency, and scalability of our variant interpretation efforts. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for ensuring the accuracy and defensibility of data that powers our products, supports clinical decision-making, and informs pharmaceutical research.

As our curation volume, product complexity, and client engagements continue to grow, this role will serve as the scientific authority for complex variant interpretation while building and leading a high-performing QA function. You will shape how interpretation is done at scale—driving standards, improving systems, and mentoring a team of scientists.

If you are passionate about genomics, thrive in complex scientific problem-solving, and want to influence both product and patient impact, this is an opportunity to lead from the front.

Position Responsibilities:

Variant Interpretation & Scientific Leadership

  • Serve as the final scientific authority for complex or ambiguous variant interpretation cases, including conflicting clinical and functional evidence
  • Apply deep expertise in ACMG/AMP guidelines to ensure accurate and defensible classifications
  • Leverage clinical experience to contextualize variant interpretations and ensure clinical relevance and applicability
  • Guide evaluation of functional studies and literature to support high-confidence interpretation decisions
  • Support high-impact client deliverables, including clinical and pharmaceutical use cases
  • Germline experience preferred

Quality Assurance & Standards Ownership

  • Own QA/QC standards across all variant interpretation workflows
  • Ensure consistent application of internal frameworks, nomenclature standards (HGVS), and interpretation criteria
  • Oversee external data quality, including ClinVar submissions and discrepancy resolution

Team Leadership & Development

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of QA scientists and curators
  • Provide coaching on interpretation, evidence evaluation, and best practices
  • Set clear performance expectations and maintain accountability for quality standards

Process Improvement & Scalability

  • Design, implement, and continuously improve SOPs, QA processes, and workflows
  • Identify systemic quality issues and lead solutions that scale across teams and projects
  • Balance standardization with flexibility to meet diverse client and product needs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with product, engineering, and leadership to improve tools, workflows, and data quality
  • Contribute to broader data and product strategy through scientific expertise
About You:

You are a highly experienced variant interpretation expert who combines scientific depth with leadership capability. You're comfortable making high-stakes decisions in ambiguous situations, and you take ownership of quality, not just your work, but the work of the team.

You bring a strong QA mindset, a bias toward evidence-based decision-making, and a drive to improve systems.

Required Skills & Experience
  • 5+ years of hands-on variant interpretation experience in a clinical or equivalent setting
  • Advanced degree (PhD, MS in Genetics/Genomics) or Genetic Counselor (CGC)
  • Deep expertise applying ACMG/AMP guidelines in complex scenarios
  • Strong experience evaluating clinical and functional evidence from scientific literature
  • Proficiency in HGVS nomenclature, including normalization and variant disambiguation
  • Demonstrated ability to make independent, high-confidence scientific decisions
Preferred / Nice to Have
  • Experience with ClinVar submissions and resolving interpretation discrepancies
  • Prior people management or strong leadership experience
  • Experience developing SOPs
  • Exposure to a broad range of disease areas or gene classes
What You'll Bring
  • Strong scientific judgment, especially in ambiguous or conflicting evidence scenarios
  • A rigorous QA mindset with exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to mentor and elevate others
  • Process-oriented thinking with a focus on scalability
  • Clear, structured communication of complex scientific concepts
  • Ownership mentality for quality, team performance, and outcomes
Why Join Genomenon

Own Scientific Quality at Scale
Shape how variant interpretation is performed across products, clients, and public data resources.

Lead and Build
Develop a high-performing team and establish systems that scale with the organization.

Make a Real Impact
Your work directly supports clinical decisions, patient outcomes, and pharmaceutical research.

Tackle Meaningful Complexity
Work on challenging, high-impact problems at the intersection of genomics, data, and real-world application.

Interview Process
  • Initial Video Screen
  • Technical Video Screen
  • Take Home exercise
  • Team Panels (2)
  • TopGrading Interview
Our Commitment

Building a great company starts with building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences help us solve harder problems and build better solutions.

Genomenon is committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, disability, and background — in how we hire, how we work, and how we lead.

If you're excited about the role but unsure whether you meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We'd rather review one more resume than miss the chance to meet someone exceptional.