Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Machine Learning & Computational Biology

Who We Are

23andMe, the leading consumer genetics and research company, has accumulated a wealth of genotypic and phenotypic information from participants committed to improving human health through advances in genomics. Our Therapeutics team leverages this data to discover and develop new treatments that can offer significant benefits for patients with serious, unmet medical needs.

This dedicated research and drug development group identifies novel targets using 23andMe's genetic database and performs preclinical research to advance programs towards clinical development. We currently have programs across several therapeutic areas, including but not limited to oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. More information about our Therapeutics team is available at https://therapeutics.23andme.com/.

We are seeking exceptional researchers with backgrounds in machine learning, statistics, physics, applied mathematics, and/or computational biology. Successful candidates will have a passion for independent research and technical problem-solving, as well as a demonstrated ability to develop and implement research-based ideas.

Note: Though our Therapeutics office is located in South San Francisco, CA, this position will be remotely based in the Chicago, IL area. We will consider exceptional candidates throughout the United States.

What You’ll Do

In this new role, you will design and develop new algorithms and analysis tools that combine genetic variation information with other molecular, cellular, and phenotypic data. You will be implementing, extending, and debugging cutting-edge machine learning models, as well as designing and building robust data infrastructure and tools. You will also collaborate to complete complex projects and present findings to other 23andMe scientific teams as well as the broader scientific community. 

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in developing deep learning techniques, as well as strong Python programming skills. Relevant areas of experience could include language/sequence modeling, graph embeddings, representation learning, generative models, and self-supervised learning techniques, but specific domain knowledge of any of these areas is less important than genuine intellectual curiosity, strong research skills, and a track record of scientific innovation and achievement.

What You’ll Bring

• Ph.D. in the physical or life sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics), or quantitative field (e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics)
• Deep understanding of computational biology, statistical genetics, or machine learning, as well as a track record of academic or industrial accomplishments, including the development of novel methods and analytical approaches for large-scale data analysis
• Strong R or Python skills, and a working knowledge of SQL
• Experience with supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms
• Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to convey complex technical concepts and scientific insights to diverse audiences
• Ability to work in dynamic team-oriented environment
• Experience conducting research in relevant disease areas such as metabolic diseases, immune diseases, or oncology is a plus
• Experience with Python-based machine learning libraries (Pytorch, TensorFlow, etc) highly desirable
• For Sr. Scientist level, will bring substantial industry experience including leading one or more large scale collaborative projects

Job title will be commensurate with experience and academic credentials

About Us

23andMe, headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, 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. The platform also powers the 23andMe Therapeutics group, currently pursuing drug discovery programs rooted in human genetics across a spectrum of disease areas, including oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to other therapeutic areas. More information is available at www.23andMe.com.

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.

Please note: 23andMe does not accept agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Thank you.