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Variant Scientist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Variant Scientist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17

$46

$81

How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for variant scientist in Portland, OR is $46.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.09 and $59.54 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Variant Scientist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Variant Scientist jobs in Portland, OR? For Variant Scientist jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Variant Scientist jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Variant Scientist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Variant Scientist jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Variant Scientist job openings:
Variant Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,742 per year, or $47 per hour.

Scientist II, Field Applications Bioinformatics Support

PacBio

Portland, OR

$93K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Scientist II, Field Applications Bioinformatics Support


PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our mission is to enable the promise of genomics to better human health. Genomics is core to all biological processes, and our advanced genomics tools provide scientists and clinical researchers the insights to better understand biology and health.


We are looking for an experienced bioinformatics support scientist with a strong customer focus to enable and support data analysis for our customers and collaborators. In this role, they will be responsible to train customers for PacBio data analysis, support customers pre- and post-sales, perform data analysis, and function as a link between customers and PacBio.


The candidate will combine bioinformatics, molecular biology, and software expertise. The ability to communicate with customers and internal teams are important aspects of this role. Our ideal candidate is a well-rounded top performer who can be a key contributor in a fast-pacing commercial environment, interacting with customers, scientists, and engineers from a wide variety of backgrounds.


Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Assist and enable customers and collaborators to ensure successful use of PacBio data analysis software
  • Train customers on PacBio HiFi sequencing data characteristics and analysis tools, including SMRT Link software
  • Be the primary contact for customers to understand their sequencing data
  • Ensure timely bioinformatics and software assistance in response to customer inquiries
  • Support sales in conducting scientific presentations, technical discussions, and customer meetings
  • Work closely with application specialists, sales, service engineers, and technical support
  • Provide customer feedback to product marketing and software development
  • Support roll-out of new software and assist with software installations
  • Work with customers and internal teams (FAS, service engineers, tech support) to prepare new instruments installations
  • The role is field based, and up to 20% travel for onsite support and training is expected

Required Qualifications:

  • MSc/PhD in life sciences (molecular biology, biochemistry), bioinformatics, or related field
  • 2+ years' experience in bioinformatics, data management or tech support, ideally in life sciences industry
  • Well-experienced with high throughput DNA sequencing data analyses and pipelines.
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art sequence analysis tools and workflows, such as sequence alignment, variant calling, de novo assembly, genome visualization, transcript mapping
  • Understanding of Unix systems administration, networking, and large-scale compute hardware
  • Experience with bash scripting, Python, and R
  • Excellent troubleshooting capabilities, and experience with good practice in customer support
  • Track record of conducting scientific presentations in person and virtually to internal and external audiences
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong time management, organizational and planning skills
  • Great cross-functional team player
  • Customer-focused mindset with the empathy to understand different levels of customers
  • Good networking and customer relationship building skills
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and growing commercial environment.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Live near an international airport

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience with PacBio data and tools
  • Experience with WDL/snakemake/nextflow
  • Previous work with CRM platforms is a plus, in particular Salesforce
  • Proven ability and motivation to work independently, i.e., in a home office-based position
  • Wet lab experience and basic knowledge of DNA sequencing instruments and library preparation protocols is a plus

Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.


You may be required from time to time to visit and work at PacBio locations and for such times as the Company considers necessary for the proper performance of your duties.


All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.


#LI-Remote

Salary Range:

$93,400.00 - $140,000.00


To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at PacBio. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. PacBio does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, PacBio employees or any other company location. PacBio is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us at 650-521-8000, or careers@pacificbiosciences.com for assistance.

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