Checkerspot · 2 weeks ago
Data & Bioinformatics Scientist
Alameda, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$160K/yr - $188K/yr
3+ years expCheckerspot is a biotechnology company focused on harnessing nature’s molecular building blocks to develop high-performance fats and oils. They are seeking a Data & Bioinformatics Scientist to coordinate with teams on analyzing genomic data, support ELN/LIMS implementation, and assist in gene discovery efforts.
BiotechnologyFood and BeverageFood ProcessingLife ScienceNutrition
No H1B
Responsibilities
Coordinate with the Molecular Biology Team and Sequencing CROs to guide and implement tools for analyzing Whole Genome Sequencing data, including haplotyping, gene annotation, variant analysis and construction of reference genomes through a combination of existing genome assemblies, additional sequencing data, and rationally derived engineering steps
Support implementation and customization of an ELN/LIMS
Map RNAseq data onto intron-containing reference genomes; perform differential gene expression analyses using RNAseq data derived from platform organisms grown under different experimental conditions
Using computational techniques (e.g., Ancestral sequence reconstruction, molecular phylogeny), assist the Molecular Biology Team in gene discovery efforts in non-model eukaryotic microbes
Develop user-friendly database visualization tools
Apply appropriate statistical methods to extract scientifically sound conclusions
Identify or develop software solutions to recurring strain engineering, fermentation and analytical lab processes
Assist in structure-function analyses of enzymes and structure-guided design of protein mutants for increased expression and activity
Advise on the development and maintenance of local and cloud-based IT infrastructure to support current and future bioinformatics efforts
Produce high-quality documentation for newly developed approaches
Assist in the preparation of written examples for IP and regulatory filings
Qualification
Required
PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Genetics, or a related field, with at least 3 years of industry experience; or a Master's degree in the above or quantitative fields (e.g., Physics, Computer Science, or Statistics) with at least 5 years of industry experience
Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in the above or quantitative fields with 7 years of bioinformatics and/or data science experience are also highly encouraged to apply
A deep appreciation that bioinformatics must generate actionable data and insights that support efforts at the bench
Proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages in a Unix environment
Experience with cloud computing and database management
Experience in novel gene discovery and/or comparative phylogenomics, metabolomics, and/or gene expression analysis
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience with ELN/LIMS implementation and management
Ability to manage large datasets and draw conclusions from them
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Committed to the highest standards for protecting data integrity and security
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Preferred
Experience with the Geneious Prime suite of molecular biology and sequence analysis tools is a plus but not required
Benefits
Competitive benefits and compensation package
Company
Checkerspot
Checkerspot is a biology driven, molecule licensing company designing fats and oils through precision fermentation.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$109MKey Investors
ArrowMark PartnersViking Global InvestorsBuilders VC
2023-02-14Series C· $55M
2022-09-28Series Unknown
2020-05-04Series B· $36M
Leadership Team
J. Casey Lippmeier
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
FoodHack Weekly
2025-10-10
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