Head of Data

To apply, please reach out to contact@alignbio.org with a CV and cover letter.

Align to Innovate is a nonprofit organization on a mission to kickstart the use of programmable experiments to improve reproducibility and big data collection in life science research. We’re running a suite of programs at the interface of biology, automation, and machine learning to rapidly convert the field of biology to a data-first discipline. 

We aim for these programs to represent a new strategy for life scientists to collaborate on large, data-intensive projects, and are seeking team members who are excited to build out this concept with us.

As a remote organization with employees across North America and Europe, we embrace new team members from any geography.

Role overview

Align to Innovate is seeking a Head of Data to spearhead the design and buildout of our organization’s data strategy to guide the next phase of our work. This person will be accountable for a portfolio of functions encompassing the entirety of our data lifecycle- from ingress, to processing, through storage and sharing. In this role, you will have the opportunity to grow a new team at Align specifically focused on data & data tooling. We envision this team to eventually include functions such as bioinformatics, software development, data science and engineering, and machine learning. 

As the Head of Data, you will serve on Align’s leadership team, where you will report directly to the CEO to substantially influence the direction and impact of our growing organization. The leadership team works to guide organization-wide strategy, set core values and culture, fundraise to support our organization, and work across teams to ensure our operational success.

Given our small team and evolving nature of scientific research and development, we are looking for folks who are adaptable and collaborative. 

Responsibilities 

  • Develop and execute Align’s comprehensive data strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and scientific priorities.

  • Build and lead a multidisciplinary team (bioinformatics, software development, data science, etc.) focused on developing and maintaining data pipelines and computational infrastructure.

  • Oversee the creation of scalable, high-performance data architectures for life science data processing, storage, and sharing.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data accessibility and usability across all scientific programs.

  • Implement standard operating procedures for efficient data management, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical guidelines.

  • Identify and implement partnerships with external tools, platforms, and open infrastructure initiatives to further Align’s mission of making life science data broadly accessible.

  • Establish strategic partnerships and collaborations within the open science and data management communities to promote shared data standards and foster global collaboration.

  • Represent Align at conferences, in publications, and on committees to promote the organization’s vision and thought leadership in data management.

Qualifications

Note that this section describes a nearly ideal candidate in order to provide insight into what this job entails. The more of these that apply to you, the more likely we think you will be a good fit for the role. Please don’t hesitate to apply even if you don’t feel like you’re a perfect match! 

  • 10+ years designing & implementing large-scale data management systems. 

  • Demonstrated track record of effective management of technical, and ideally remote, teams.

  • Experience working with large-scale life science data (such as NGS, Mass-spec, proteomics, genomics, or imaging).

  • Experience managing large scale data platforms, ideally involving outside collaborations in industry, academia, and/or government. 

  • Familiar with data and infrastructure standards in life science research.

  • Comfortable with remote work and distributed teams.

  • Ability to travel occasionally for domestic and international events (eg: quarterly team meetings, conferences and workshops, partner site visits).

  • A humble approach to collaboration and mentorship, including good listening skills, open-mindedness, receptivity to feedback, and flexibility.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with varied stakeholders to ensure that project and organizational needs are met.

  • Excitement for interdisciplinary field-building efforts, particularly within data-driven biology.

Salary and benefits 

Align to Innovate takes a market-based approach to compensation. The candidate's starting pay will be based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, interview performance, and work location.

For US-based employees*, we offer attractive benefits including: 

  • Health Insurance (inc. medical, dental, and vision)

  • Family leave (up to 13 weeks)

  • 401k matching

  • Paid time off

  • 15 company holidays, plus one day off for your Birthday

  • Monthly wellness benefit

  • Volunteer community service hours 

  • Educational reimbursement plan

  • Child care reimbursement

*For non-US-based employees, benefits will vary based on your country of residence. 

Align to Innovate welcomes everyone 

We believe diversity enriches our team and so strive to hire people with a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. That means we don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

To apply, please reach out to contact@alignbio.org with a CV and cover letter.