Staff Bioinformatics Scientist

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.   

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting. 

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible. Support of the DBS mindset and continuous improvement is integral to this role.

The Staff Bioinformatics Scientist will help drive bioinformatics projects related to the design of highly multiplexed molecular diagnostics through all stages of planning, design, computational verification and empirical validation in collaboration with experimental scientists and other team members. Primary responsibilities include identification of unique nucleic acid sequences and signatures in various organisms and creation of novel, automated methods for design of primers and probes in complex assays. This role involves extensive collaboration with Bioinformatics Engineers, Bioinformaticians, Molecular Biologists, and others at all stages of assay development from planning to commercialization. You will set the tone for a collaborative environment that values equity of voice, inclusive behaviors and trusting teams.

This position is part of the Biochip R&D Team and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA. We value an approachable and credible communication style and we’re proud of our efforts to keep all levels of the organization informed, engaged and motivated. Intellectual honesty and agility, with the ability to pivot based on shifting priorities and balance multiple projects seamlessly in a fast-paced environment, are key.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Rapidly prototype novel, innovative algorithms for the design of multiplexed PCR primers and probes compatible with Cepheid’s instrumentation and experimental methods in response to both long-term and emerging company needs.
• Assist Bioinformatics Engineers in the development of a robust computational pipeline for automated and semi-automated assay design.
• Assist in the development of rigorous methodologies for analyzing PCR primer performance data, perform analyses, and communicate results to experimental scientists and others in the company.
• Think creatively in a collaborative environment about novel, innovative solutions for difficult assay design problems.
• Analyze data and debug results in order to identify avenues for future development and improvement.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics or a related field with 8 years of related work experience, OR Master’s degree with 6 years of experience, OR doctoral degree with 3 years of experience.
• Use of standard bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g. GenBank, BLAST)
• Proficient and hands-on in Python in a Linux environment, preferably including experience implementing and maintaining bioinformatics pipelines.
• Proactive self-starter with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills. Able to conduct and plan independent projects with minimal supervision.
• Fundamental understanding of PCR, or ability to learn.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• PCR primer and probe design.
• Design and/or analysis of molecular diagnostics assays.

Cepheid, a Danaher company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

When you join us, you’ll also be joining Danaher’s global organization, where 69,000 people wake up every day determined to help our customers win. As an associate, you’ll try new things, work hard, and advance your skills with guidance from dedicated leaders, all with the support of powerful Danaher Business System tools and the stability of a tested organization.

Danaher is committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong and all voices are heard. We believe in our associates and the unique perspectives they bring to every challenge, which is why we’ll empower you to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s within you, there’s no better time to find out.

The salary range for this role is $140K - $180K. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

When you join us, you’ll also be joining Danaher’s global organization, where 80,000 people wake up every day determined to help our customers win. As an associate, you’ll try new things, work hard, and advance your skills with guidance from dedicated leaders, all with the support of powerful Danaher Business System tools and the stability of a tested organization.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve.  Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

The EEO posters are available here.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at applyassistance@danaher.com to request accommodation.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s within you, there’s no better time to find out.

Salary : $140,000 - $180,000