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Principal Computational Biologist

ABOUT US

Synthesize Bio is an early stage startup using generative AI to fundamentally change life sciences research and accelerate the pace of biomedical discovery.

Genomic data are at the heart of most modern molecular studies and tools, from basic research to clinical decision support, but these data are hard to work with. Genomic data require expensive laboratories, sophisticated computational infrastructure, and big teams to produce and analyze. Generating and analyzing genomic data takes weeks or months. We’re building generative AI models to cut that time down to minutes or hours.

Our platform addresses a huge need in the large and rapidly growing use of genomics in research, from basic science to therapeutic development. This is an opportunity to be part of a mission to transform life sciences R&D by dramatically accelerating the pace of discovery.

WHO WE ARE

Our team has dedicated their careers to moving the needle in biomedical research and education and has a deep understanding of how to build a transformative product in this space. Our founders each have ~20 years of experience in life sciences, genomic data generation and analysis, and AI/ML and data science. Our team has leading experts in the design, execution, collection, and application of AI/ML methods to large biological studies; has previously led and scaled startups; and are experts in scientific training and enablement. We have lived the problem and are ready to solve it!

WHAT YOU’LL DO IN THIS ROLE

We are looking for a Principal Computational Biologist who wants to join our mission and be an early part of building our AI-powered platform at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences discovery.

You will be a key player on the Data team and:

• Work with external collaborators/partners as the computational lead and point-person
• Develop internal tools (e.g., packages and analysis suites) in collaboration with other team members across the company (such as software engineers and AI researchers)
• Imagine and pilot new use cases for our AI systems
• Design validation studies for our AI systems
• Author externally-facing communications (blog posts, conference abstracts)

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

The Principal Computational Biologist is a senior role on our team and is a good fit for candidates who are eager to apply their experience as both an individual contributor and as a technical leader who guides more junior team members, including those on other teams.

Most critical skills and experience we are seeking:

• Working in cross-functional teams (within and outside your organization) on applications of machine learning/AI to biomarker development and clinical trial design
• Deep expertise designing and interpreting studies with gene expression and other omics data
• Experience designing internal solutions for data science workflows (how to work reproducibly, collaborate, document, mentor junior team members)
• The ideal candidate is someone who leads by example and can lead technical projects

Ideally you have:

• Experience managing and working with large datasets in the cloud (AWS, GCP)
• Experience and perspective that empathizes with and represents the voices of biomedical research and development customers
• Experience mentoring junior scientists in best practices and problem-solving including performing code reviews
• 5+ years post-academic training

Less critical skills for this role:

• Bioinformatics pipeline development and data infrastructure (we have other roles that specialize there)
• Past experience leading and mentoring computational scientists is a positive, but this is an individual contributor role

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US

Our founders have strong reputations as thoughtful, forward-thinking colleagues and mentors who cultivate talent. We’ll think intentionally and collaboratively about your career and how we build our team. Our founders’ experiences in workforce development and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our approach.

• Impact — Our technology will accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and therapy development to advance human health. This is an opportunity to build something from the ground up in a space that has a real, positive impact.
• Early employee impact — As a member of the very early team, you will play a pivotal role in helping shape our product, team, and culture. For the rest of our days, no matter how many thousands of people join after you, you will always have that honor and distinction. It looks great on a resume, too.
• Early stage equity — A benefit of joining early. None of us (neither our founders nor our investors) would be here if we didn’t think that our company will create tremendous value over time.
• Flexible location and hours – We are whole people with whole lives and expect that you are, too. We’ll trust each other to make progress as a team, in times and places that work for everyone. Travel to Seattle will be required quarterly – it’s a beautiful city!
• Visa support - We cannot provide visa support at this time.

TIMELINE

Interviews will start in January 2026 and continue on a rolling basis.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• $165-190K salary plus equity options
• 100% employer paid health insurance premiums, 50% dependents
• 401k plan access (non-matching)
• Gym access for Seattle-based employees