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Variant Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Variant Bio

Executive Administrator

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

Experience at an early-stage biotech, life sciences, or clinical-stage company. * Background ... COMPENSATION & PERKS At Variant Bio, we're building something meaningful and we believe supporting ...

Korro Bio

Senior Scientist, Computational Biology

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Design, execute, and interpret NGS-based experiments (RNA-seq, variant calling, targeted amplicon ... Mentor junior scientists and contractors on best practices in scientific computing, reproducibility ...

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How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for variant scientist in the United States is $47.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.13 and $59.62 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 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.

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.
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Variant Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,868 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
R&D Scientist III, Algorithm Developer

R&D Scientist III, Algorithm Developer

Baylor Genetics

Remote

Full-time

Posted just now

Job description

Position Summary
This position requires thorough documentation of analytical methods, validation studies, and pipeline updates in technical reports, supporting both internal development and regulatory needs. The R&D Scientist will work collaboratively with cross functional teams, including assay development, bioinformatics, and quality groups.
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related field, or an M.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience. Required expertise includes hands on- experience with NGS data analysis, particularly sequencing performance metrics, as well as strong programming skills in Python and/or R.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform in-depth analytical analysis of NGS sequencing data to evaluate sequencing performance metrics and support assay development
  • Validate and verify computational algorithms used within NGS analysis pipelines
  • Support NGS panel design activities, including analytical assessment and quality considerations
  • Conduct end-to-end validation of NGS analysis pipelines to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and robustness
  • Support quality assurance efforts through data review, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring
  • Document analytical methods, validation studies, and pipeline updates in clear, well-structured technical reports
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams, including assay development, bioinformatics, and quality, to support R&D objective

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related field; or M.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience with NGS data analysis, including evaluation of sequencing performance metrics and assay quality
  • Experience validating computational algorithms or bioinformatics analysis pipelines
  • Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and pipeline development
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and collaboration skills within a cross functional- R&D environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of clinical genomics applications, including NIPT or cancer genomics
  • Experience or familiarity with pharmacogenomics (PGx) and complex variant analysis
  • Exposure to rare disease genomics and germline variant analysis

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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