Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Base pay range

$/yr – $/yr

Pleno is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead the development of advanced statistical and computational methods for our novel multi-omic detection platform. Our technology integrates biological principles with a unique, telecommunications‑inspired signal processing approach to revolutionize genomic sample testing.

This role is for you if you have expertise in statistical modeling, oncology applications, and/or copy number variation (CNV) analysis. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing bioinformatics pipelines that analyze complex, high‑dimensional data from our image‑based assays. Your contributions will be critical to advancing our platform’s capabilities in oncology and other multi‑omic applications.

As a senior team member, you will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams and play a key role in shaping the future of our bioinformatics strategy.

• Lead the development of statistical and machine learning methods for analyzing novel genomic data, with a focus on oncology and CNV detection.
• Design, implement, and validate CNV and somatic calling algorithms tailored to our platform’s unique data structure.
• Collaborate with the Biochemistry and Applications teams to build and refine models that enhance assay performance.
• Participate in the continuous improvement, automation, and scaling of assay design and data analysis.
• Apply Bayesian inference, hidden Markov models, and other advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to extract meaningful insights from complex multi‑omic data.
• Develop and maintain automated software analysis pipelines.
• Collaborate on the preparation of scientific presentations and publications of data findings.

• Extensive experience working with DNA assays such as NGS sequencing or multiplex PCR applications.
• Proficiency in oligonucleotide design, as well as sequence interaction prediction and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, probabilistic inference, and/or machine learning, particularly in the context of oncology.
• Experience analyzing multi‑omic datasets (e.g., .vcf, .bed, .bam files) and integrating disparate data sources.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and other relevant programming languages.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, version control systems (e.g., Git), and cloud‑based computing environments.
• Previous experience working with methylation and/or copy number variant datasets is a plus.
• Experience in database development and maintenance.
• A proven ability to lead projects and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field with5+ years of progressively responsible industry experience, including demonstrated ownership of bioinformatics method development in oncology and/or statistical genomics.
• OR MS in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field, with 8–10+ years of progressively responsible industry experience, including demonstrated ownership of bioinformatics method development in oncology and/or statistical genomics.

Note:

This position will require regular onsite participation at our office/lab in San Diego, CA. To apply you should be resident in the greater San Diego County area.

• Equity – everyone at Pleno has a stake in our success
• Generous company‑sponsored contribution to health, dental and vision coverage
• Company contributions to life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability
• Flexible Paid Time Off – plus 11 paid holidays including a winter break company‑wide close
• Parental Leave – generous leave and wage replacement
• Free catered onsite meals twice weekly
• Fitness and wellness facilities
• Regular opportunities to spend social time together like happy hours & team building events

Pleno is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technologists focused on collaboration and asking questions. We strive to find the best, and most meaningful answers for biochemistry and engineering problems in our mission to build a novel multi‑omic instrument platform that will revolutionize biological target detection for a wide array of meaningful applications.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form.