Senior Data Scientist, Computational Biology

Delfidiagnostics
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
June 12, 2026
Views
20

Job Description

About Us   DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. (DELFI Diagnostics) is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are reliable, accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer. Employing advanced machine-learning methods to whole-genome sequencing data, the DELFI ("DNA EvaLuation of Fragments for early Interception") platform is built to address the highest-burden health challenges. DELFI Diagnostics prioritizes solutions that have the potential to save lives on a global scale, including for historically underserved populations. DELFI Diagnostics’ platform relies on fragmentomics – the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and, when they die, leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. FirstLook Lung, for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening, is DELFI Diagnostics’ first laboratory-developed screening test and can be part of routine blood work. FirstLook Lung uses millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT, including early stage disease with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent. This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.   In our passionate pursuit to radically improve health outcomes, we serve humanity when we:   Lead with Science, Anchor in Pragmatism: We pioneer life-changing science by ensuring quality, transparency, and rigor at all times. We explore thoughtfully, experiment smartly, and deliver impact with conviction.   Build With & For All: We embrace diverse backgrounds to innovate and achieve together. We are not just building a product - we aim to disrupt the path of cancer for all - no matter geography or socioeconomic class    Put We over I: We are a home for high-performing people. Through teamwork, we build collective intelligence. Each of us wins when those we serve and those who serve with us--win. We show up with empathy, humility, and integrity at every step of the journey.   DELFI has 1-2 designated in-office working days each week for employees who live within within 50 miles of Palo Alto, CA  About the Role

We're hiring an experienced data scientist to analyze and model high-dimensional molecular data across emerging data modalities in support of our oncology-focused cancer detection platform. You'll work at the intersection of cancer biology and data science, owning projects end-to-end while partnering closely with assay development and experimental teams. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in ambiguity and is energized by hard problems in early cancer detection.

What You'll Do

  • Own end-to-end analysis of high-dimensional molecular workstreams across multiple data modalities, from data processing through interpretation and communication of results.
  • Contribute to classifier design, development, and validation to detect cancer in prospective clinical studies

  • Adapt external, state-of-the-art representation and foundation models for DELFI’s internal applications

  • Collaborate closely with Assay, Software, and Clinical teams to evaluate and integrate emerging data types into analytical pipelines

  • Support data science coverage across active studies, including assay research, characterization and validation

  • Work effectively in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift and self-direction is expected

  • What You'll Bring

    Required

  • Doctoral degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field with 2+ years of industry experience; or, Master's with 3+ years of industry experience; or, Bachelor’s with 5+ years of industry experience

  • Hands-on experience with high-dimensional biological datasets across multiple biomarkers and molecular data types

  • Background in cancer biology or oncology-focused research

  • Demonstrated ability to own projects end-to-end with limited oversight

  • Demonstrated ability to use experimental findings to drive decisions for future research or product directions

  • Strong collaborator with wet lab and experimental teams

  • Proficiency in Python; experience with cloud environments (AWS preferred)

  • Preferred

  • Experience with cfDNA, liquid biopsy, and NGS-based platforms

  • Familiarity with ML modeling in a biological context

  • About Us   DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. (DELFI Diagnostics) is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are reliable, accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer. Employing advanced machine-learning methods to whole-genome sequencing data, the DELFI ("DNA EvaLuation of Fragments for early Interception") platform is built to address the highest-burden health challenges. DELFI Diagnostics prioritizes solutions that have the potential to save lives on a global scale, including for historically underserved populations. DELFI Diagnostics’ platform relies on fragmentomics – the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and, when they die, leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. FirstLook Lung, for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening, is DELFI Diagnostics’ first laboratory-developed screening test and can be part of routine blood work. FirstLook Lung uses millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT, including early stage disease with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent. This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.   In our passionate pursuit to radically improve health outcomes, we serve humanity when we:   Lead with Science, Anchor in Pragmatism: We pioneer life-changing science by ensuring quality, transparency, and rigor at all times. We explore thoughtfully, experiment smartly, and deliver impact with conviction.   Build With & For All: We embrace diverse backgrounds to innovate and achieve together. We are not just building a product - we aim to disrupt the path of cancer for all - no matter geography or socioeconomic class    Put We over I: We are a home for high-performing people. Through teamwork, we build collective intelligence. Each of us wins when those we serve and those who serve with us--win. We show up with empathy, humility, and integrity at every step of the journey.   DELFI has 1-2 designated in-office working days each week for employees who live within within 50 miles of Palo Alto, CA  About the Role

    We're hiring an experienced data scientist to analyze and model high-dimensional molecular data across emerging data modalities in support of our oncology-focused cancer detection platform. You'll work at the intersection of cancer biology and data science, owning projects end-to-end while partnering closely with assay development and experimental teams. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in ambiguity and is energized by hard problems in early cancer detection.

    What You'll Do

  • Own end-to-end analysis of high-dimensional molecular workstreams across multiple data modalities, from data processing through interpretation and communication of results.
  • Contribute to classifier design, development, and validation to detect cancer in prospective clinical studies

  • Adapt external, state-of-the-art representation and foundation models for DELFI’s internal applications

  • Collaborate closely with Assay, Software, and Clinical teams to evaluate and integrate emerging data types into analytical pipelines

  • Support data science coverage across active studies, including assay research, characterization and validation

  • Work effectively in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift and self-direction is expected

  • What You'll Bring

    Required

  • Doctoral degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field with 2+ years of industry experience; or, Master's with 3+ years of industry experience; or, Bachelor’s with 5+ years of industry experience

  • Hands-on experience with high-dimensional biological datasets across multiple biomarkers and molecular data types

  • Background in cancer biology or oncology-focused research

  • Demonstrated ability to own projects end-to-end with limited oversight

  • Demonstrated ability to use experimental findings to drive decisions for future research or product directions

  • Strong collaborator with wet lab and experimental teams

  • Proficiency in Python; experience with cloud environments (AWS preferred)

  • Preferred

  • Experience with cfDNA, liquid biopsy, and NGS-based platforms

  • Familiarity with ML modeling in a biological context

  • Experience in a regulated diagnostics or clinical setting

  • We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the job located, and is it remote/hybrid/on-site?
    The position is located in Palo Alto, CA. DELFI Diagnostics operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring 1-2 designated in-office working days each week for employees who live within 50 miles of the Palo Alto office.
    What are the key responsibilities of this role?
    You will own end-to-end analysis of high-dimensional molecular workstreams, contribute to classifier design and validation for cancer detection, adapt external foundation models for internal use, and collaborate with Assay, Software, and Clinical teams to integrate emerging data types into analytical pipelines.
    What are the required qualifications and experience levels?
    You need a PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field with 2+ years of industry experience; or a Master's with 3+ years; or a Bachelor's with 5+ years. Required skills include hands-on experience with high-dimensional biological datasets, a background in cancer biology, and proficiency in Python.

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    Job Information

    Source: lever
    Remote Type: hybrid
    Allowed Locations: Palo Alto, CA
    Skills & Tags:
    Data Science Data Science

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