Bioinformatics Pipeline Test Engineer

Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences

  • San Diego, CA
  • 30+ days ago

    Highlights

    We are seeking a Bioinformatics Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of NGS data pipelines and bioinformatics workflows. Responsibilities: Design and execute testing strategies for NGS pipelines (alignment, variant calling, annotation).

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationSan Diego, CA

    Description

    Job Description:
    We are seeking a Bioinformatics Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of NGS data pipelines and bioinformatics workflows. The role requires a strong blend of bioinformatics knowledge, QA expertise, and automation skills.
    Responsibilities:
    • Design and execute testing strategies for NGS pipelines (alignment, variant calling, annotation).
    • Perform data validation, regression testing, and discrepancy analysis.
    • Develop automated test scripts (Python).
    • Translate requirements into test cases and validation criteria.
    • Work with CI/CD pipelines and cloud-based workflows.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy and reliability.

    Requirements:

    • Strong understanding of NGS workflows (FASTQ, BAM, VCF).
    • Experience in bioinformatics pipeline testing or QA.
    • Proficiency in Python scripting.
    • Hands-on with Git and CI/CD tools.
    • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) and data pipelines.
    • Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

    Preferred Skills:

    • Experience in biotech/life sciences domain.
    • Familiarity with Nextflow, Snakemake, or similar workflows.
    • Exposure to regulated environments (CLIA/FDA).
    • What We're Looking For.
    • Strong testing mindset + hands-on engineering skills.
    • Ability to debug pipelines and explain thought process clearly.
    • Experience with real-world data workflows (not just academic projects).
    • Mentions NGS pipelines + testing together.
    • Has Python + Git + CI/CD.
    • Mentions variant calling / VCF validation.
    • Worked on cloud or production pipelines.
    • Reject or deprioritize if:
    • Only academic bioinformatics (no testing/QA).
    • Only statistics validation (no system testing).
    • No Python or automation.
    • No infra experience (cloud / CI/CD / DB).
    • Only local scripts, no real pipelines.

    Other High Priority Keywords:

    • Variant Calling.
    • Pipeline Testing.
    • Regression Testing.
    • Test Strategy OR Test Case Design.
    • Data Validation.
    • Golden Dataset OR Reference Dataset.
    • CI/CD OR "GitHub Actions " OR GitLab OR "Azure DevOps ".
    • AWS OR S3 OR Cloud.
    • Nextflow OR Snakemake OR WDL OR Cromwell.
    • Automation Testing.

    Must Have:

    • Bioinformatics OR Genomics.
    • NGS OR "Next Generation Sequencing ".
    • VCF OR BAM OR FASTQ.
    • Python.
    • Testing OR QA OR "Quality Engineer " OR Validation.
    • Git.

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