About MyHeritage
MyHeritage is a global leader in family history and consumer DNA testing, enriching the lives of millions worldwide by enabling them to uncover more about themselves and where they belong. With a suite of intuitive products, billions of historical records, an affordable at-home DNA test, and AI-powered photo tools, MyHeritage creates a meaningful discovery experience that is deeply rewarding.
Position Overview
We are looking for a Director of Science to guide MyHeritage’s scientific research and development in genetics. This role is central to building innovative algorithms, driving rigorous data analysis, and advancing the scientific methodologies that power our DNA products - including ethnicity estimation, relationship inference, local ancestry, and more.
The ideal candidate combines deep scientific expertise in population and statistical genetics with strong leadership and a proven ability to execute in a dynamic, consumer-facing environment.
Your work will directly impact millions of users worldwide, helping them discover their ancestry and connect with family through science. You’ll apply cutting-edge methods to analyze millions of DNA samples and family trees, leveraging one of the largest consumer genetics datasets in the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific leadership: Define and execute the scientific roadmap aligned with company goals.
- Team leadership: Manage and mentor a team of senior scientists and data scientists. Provide technical direction, support professional growth, and foster a culture of scientific excellence.
- Algorithmic research: Lead the design, development and optimization of scalable, production-ready algorithms and pipelines including ancestry inference, relationship classifiers, imputation and phasing of genetic data and additional models to support genetic genealogy.
- Collaboration and communication: Work closely with engineering, product, and data teams to translate research outcomes into user-facing features and tools. Clearly communicate scientific concepts and progress internally and externally.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong, hands-on experience in human population genetics and analysis of genotyping and/or sequencing data is essential. We are specifically looking for candidates with a demonstrated track record in this domain.
- Ph.D. in Genetics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
- Experience with population genetics and analysis of genotyping or sequencing data.
- 5+ years of experience in scientific research, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Strong background in:
- Analysis of genotyping or sequencing data
- Genomic data pipelines and bioinformatics tools.
- Machine learning or statistical modeling applied to biological data
- Experience working with large-scale genomic datasets.
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with production-scale computational pipelines. Familiarity with tools such as Snakemake, Airflow, or other pipeline managers is an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
- Experience with AWS is an advantage.
Why Join Us?
- Join a purpose-driven company helping people discover their heritage through the power of science.
- Be part of a collaborative, international team driven by innovation and scientific discovery.
- Enjoy a hybrid work environment with flexibility and autonomy.
Benefits at MyHeritage
Our employees enjoy a range of benefits to enhance work-life balance and well-being:
- Hybrid work model
- Modern, beautiful offices in Or Yehuda and Tel Aviv with shuttle service from Tel Aviv and employee parking (for our Or Yehuda employees)
- On-site Gym and Pilates classes
- Dog-friendly office
- Well-stocked kitchens and a monthly meal allowance
- Fully funded supplemental health insurance
#LI-Hybrid
Top Skills
What We Do
MyHeritage is the leading global discovery platform for exploring family history. With billions of historical records and family tree profiles, and with sophisticated matching technologies that work across all its assets, MyHeritage allows users to discover their past and empower their future. MyHeritage DNA is one of the world’s largest consumer DNA databases, with 5.4 million customers. MyHeritage is the most popular DNA test and family history service in Europe. Since 2020, MyHeritage is home to the world’s most advanced AI technologies for repairing, enhancing, colorizing, and animating historical photos.
Working at MyHeritage means developing pioneering technologies and integrating AI to deliver powerful discoveries to our 104 million users. It also means making a difference in the lives of people all over the world. With a track record of leveraging its staff and expertise to help communities around the world, in April 2020, MyHeritage joined the fight against COVID-19 by building one of the world's largest COVID-19 laboratories to dramatically scale up Israel's testing capabilities and save lives. The MyHeritage Lab was commissioned by Israel’s Ministries of Health and Defense, and to date has processed over 5 million tests.
Our 650 employees enjoy a hybrid work model that combines the convenience and flexibility of working from home with the collaborative social environment of our bright, spacious offices. Headquartered in Or Yehuda, we also have offices in Tel Aviv, North America, and Europe.
When we’re not working, you can find us enjoying the fully-stocked kitchens, office gym, yoga classes, happy hours, and team-building activities. Visit our careers site for more information about our open positions: http://careers.myheritage.com
