Scientist, Population Genetics

23andMe is looking for a quantitative scientist with extensive experience in population genetics and statistical modeling of human genetics data to join our R&D team. You will leverage your expertise and work collaboratively with scientists, software engineers, and product managers to build out consumer data products that illuminate the story of human interconnectedness, exploring everything from immediate family lineages to deep human history, as it relates to both ancestry and health. 

With the world’s largest database of more than 11 million research-consented customers, 23andMe is at the forefront of using genetics to transform the understanding of human connection and health. Join our growing team to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.

Who We Are

We are a group of individuals passionate about genetic discovery. 23andMe Research Institute is a nonprofit medical research organization that enables people everywhere to access their genetic information, learn about themselves, and participate in the world's largest crowdsourced research initiative. The Institute aims to be the world's most significant contributor to scientific advancement, uniting people with the common goal of improving health and deepening our understanding of DNA — the code of life.

What You’ll Do

• Design, evolve, and implement state-of-the-art algorithms for genetic relationship and ancestry inference. 

• Scale pedigree inference across millions of individuals and many generations by leveraging massive phased identity-by-descent data.

• Synergistically combine array-based genotyping and sequencing data in your work. 

• Develop methods enabling individuals to trace trait inheritance across their pedigrees. 

• Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and others to deploy customer features. 

• Regularly present and communicate research to internal and external stakeholders.

What You’ll Bring

• Ph.D. in Population Genetics, Human Genetics, Statistical Genetics, or a related quantitative field (e.g., Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics).

• Strong expertise in population genetics, demonstrated by prior work experience and/or publications.

• Research experience using machine-learning and statistical modeling techniques to analyze large-scale human genetics and genomics datasets.

• Broad expertise in the Python scientific ecosystem, spanning data analysis, machine learning, plotting, prototyping, and collaborative version control. 

• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Ability to work in a dynamic, team-oriented, and fast-paced environment.

Strongly Preferred

• Experience developing family pedigrees using genetic data from relatives. 

• Experience working with sequencing data, such as whole-genome and/or exome data.

• Experience applying modern software development practices, including some of the following: automated testing, containerization, cloud computing, and CI/CD.

• Some postdoctoral or industry experience.

• San Francisco Bay Area location, or willingness to relocate.

About Us

23andMe, headquartered in California, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. The company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA authorizations for genetic health risk reports. The company has created the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80 percent of its customers electing to participate. 23andMe research participants consent to research conducted by 23andMe which is overseen by an independent third-party Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulated under the 'Common Rule' (45 CFR part 46). More information is available at www.23andme.com/research.

At 23andMe, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at accommodations-ext@23andme.com. 23andMe will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Pay Transparency

23andMe takes a market-based approach to pay, and amounts will vary depending on your geographic location. The salary range reflected here is for a candidate based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

San Francisco Bay Area Base Pay Range

$145,000-$200,000