Data Scientist/Senior Data Scientist, Proteomics

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking an expert data scientist or computational biologist to join our multidisciplinary team of mass spectrometrists, biologists and computer scientists to become an integral part of our solution for proteomics. At Calico we are generating large quantities of proteomics data both from large, unique cohort studies as well as non-standard proteome profiling for both structural proteomics as well as functional and enrichment proteomics. Proteomics profiling experiments come from a range of organisms ranging from yeast to humans, adding to the complexity. 

The ideal candidate is someone with strong statistical chops, direct experience with proteomics data analysis techniques, and an ability to use exploratory data analysis techniques and visualizations to help generate new biological hypotheses and insights. The candidate will primarily work with mass spectrometry proteomics data and would be expected to have a detailed knowledge of the data generating process. In this role, the candidate would work collaboratively with members of the Proteomics group, the Computing team, and the broader R&D organization.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop data analysis strategies, write algorithms, and help with the analysis of proteomics data, in particular data from large patient cohorts and non-standard proteome profiling experiments
• Maintain and continue to develop in-house developed proteomics algorithms and software tools
• Explore and deploy external algorithms, software, and tools as needed to complement in-house software
• Work with software engineers, data scientists, the proteomics team, and scientists at Calico to develop novel platforms for extracting biological insight from experimental data at multiple spatial and temporal scales
• Interact closely with scientists in the proteomics team, basic research, and in drug development to understand their data analysis needs and provide answers to technical questions through custom analyses, 1-on-1 communication, presentations, and written documents

Position Requirements:

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline such as statistics, biostatistics, computer science, bioinformatics, or computational biology
• Expertise in statistical data analysis
• Experience working with proteomics data and proteomics software (e.g., Sequest, Byonic, PD, MaxQuant, PEAKS, etc.)
• Fluent coding skills in one or more programming languages (preferably R and/or python). Basic familiarity with the R programming language is strongly preferred.
• Outstanding communication and collaborative worth ethic
• Intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and good follow-through
• Proactive approach to collaborations and a demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Must be willing to work onsite currently at least four days a week

Nice to Have (valued but not required):

• Experience working with large cohort and population scale datasets
• Experience with additional programming languages (e.g. C++, MATLAB, SQL, Julia)
• Basic understanding of human physiology and molecular biology
• Experience in multi-omics data analysis and combining orthogonal proteomics methods
• Experience with post translational modifications, and in particular glycosylation
• Experience working with non standard proteomics profiling methods (e.g. structural proteomics)
• Experience with de-novo LCMS analysis
• Experience with software development best practices (version control, CI/CD, etc.)

The estimated base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $172,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.