Avalo, Inc.
Overview
Computational Biologist
Location: On-site in Durham, NC (RTP area)
Company: Avalo
Compensation: Commensurate with experience + full benefits
About Avalo At Avalo, we’re reinventing crop development to build a climate-resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for agriculture. Our mission is to accelerate crop evolution using AI and evolutionary biology—cutting development time from decades to just a few years while dramatically reducing environmental impact. From low-input cotton to sugarcane, we work with nature’s complexity, not against it, to deliver high-performance crops without harmful externalities. Join us in transforming agriculture from the seed up.
About this opportunity We’re seeking a Computational Biologist to work with our computation team in advancing our mission to develop high-performing and resilient crops. This role will leverage the next generation of machine learning, computational biology, imaging, and bioinformatics tools and processes to drive the development of novel crop varieties. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing scientific knowledge, technical and problem-solving expertise, and developing innovative solutions for our Rapid Evolution PlatformTM. This person should be well-organized, have great communication skills, and a passion for Avalo's mission.
Responsibilities
Machine Learning & Data Science
Develop and implement novel ML strategies for genomic and phenomic prediction, including strategies for data processing and imputation
Design and evaluate improved methods for analysis and integration of multi-modal data
Inform key decision making processes through effective design of computational experiments, data processing, and analysis and interpretation.
Develop key visualizations, presentations, reports, documentation, and other materials to support cross-functional collaboration and communication of results to internal and external stakeholders.
Champion the use of large language models in the execution of key workflows
Computational Biology
Carry out genomics analyses
Perform pipeline testing, benchmarking, and troubleshooting
Support development and maintenance of new and existing bioinformatic pipelines
Implement novel methods for integrating genomic data with phenotypes, imagery (e.g. satellite/drone), spectral, environmental, and weather data
Support external collaborations for strategic projects
Participate in cross-team development projects
Collaborate with a team of innovators to develop novel technologies with direct application to crop improvement
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in computational biology, computer science, data science, or a related field
Demonstrated expertise in:
Broad and deep understanding of AI/ML in genetics/genomics
Standard alignment and preprocessing tools in computational biology
Experience with analysis of complex spatial and temporal data structures
Experience with tools for pangenome analysis, reference-free approaches, ancestral recombination graphs, and/or other modern techniques for evolutionary genomics
Applications of statistical frameworks and models to crop breeding and agriculture
Demonstrated excellence in scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications as lead contributor, variety releases, and/or authorship on patents
High proficiency with one or more scripting languages including Python
Experience developing and using workflow management systems such as Nextflow
Managing and running computational analyses in the cloud and on HPCs
Experience using and building containerized applications and with environment management tools (i.e. Docker, conda)
Proficiency with version control and collaborative software development using Git
Experience in the use of large language models for biological workflows and/or software development
Highly motivated and tenacious, self-starter who can work independently and proactively
Ability to organize among competing priorities and transition efficiently to new priorities
Detail oriented with the ability to see the big picture and work effectively at both high and detailed levels
Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
Willingness and capability to contribute to tasks outside of the job description
Exceptional critical thinking, data analysis, and problem solving skills; ability to present results to influence strategy
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail
Proficiency with Microsoft and Google software; especially spreadsheets and slide software; familiarity with video conferencing, Adobe Acrobat, Notion, DocuSign, Slack
Passion for Avalo’s mission
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location: On-site in Durham, NC (RTP area)
Company: Avalo
Compensation: Commensurate with experience + full benefits
About Avalo At Avalo, we’re reinventing crop development to build a climate-resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for agriculture. Our mission is to accelerate crop evolution using AI and evolutionary biology—cutting development time from decades to just a few years while dramatically reducing environmental impact. From low-input cotton to sugarcane, we work with nature’s complexity, not against it, to deliver high-performance crops without harmful externalities. Join us in transforming agriculture from the seed up.
About this opportunity We’re seeking a Computational Biologist to work with our computation team in advancing our mission to develop high-performing and resilient crops. This role will leverage the next generation of machine learning, computational biology, imaging, and bioinformatics tools and processes to drive the development of novel crop varieties. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing scientific knowledge, technical and problem-solving expertise, and developing innovative solutions for our Rapid Evolution PlatformTM. This person should be well-organized, have great communication skills, and a passion for Avalo's mission.
Responsibilities
Machine Learning & Data Science
Develop and implement novel ML strategies for genomic and phenomic prediction, including strategies for data processing and imputation
Design and evaluate improved methods for analysis and integration of multi-modal data
Inform key decision making processes through effective design of computational experiments, data processing, and analysis and interpretation.
Develop key visualizations, presentations, reports, documentation, and other materials to support cross-functional collaboration and communication of results to internal and external stakeholders.
Champion the use of large language models in the execution of key workflows
Computational Biology
Carry out genomics analyses
Perform pipeline testing, benchmarking, and troubleshooting
Support development and maintenance of new and existing bioinformatic pipelines
Implement novel methods for integrating genomic data with phenotypes, imagery (e.g. satellite/drone), spectral, environmental, and weather data
Support external collaborations for strategic projects
Participate in cross-team development projects
Collaborate with a team of innovators to develop novel technologies with direct application to crop improvement
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in computational biology, computer science, data science, or a related field
Demonstrated expertise in:
Broad and deep understanding of AI/ML in genetics/genomics
Standard alignment and preprocessing tools in computational biology
Experience with analysis of complex spatial and temporal data structures
Experience with tools for pangenome analysis, reference-free approaches, ancestral recombination graphs, and/or other modern techniques for evolutionary genomics
Applications of statistical frameworks and models to crop breeding and agriculture
Demonstrated excellence in scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications as lead contributor, variety releases, and/or authorship on patents
High proficiency with one or more scripting languages including Python
Experience developing and using workflow management systems such as Nextflow
Managing and running computational analyses in the cloud and on HPCs
Experience using and building containerized applications and with environment management tools (i.e. Docker, conda)
Proficiency with version control and collaborative software development using Git
Experience in the use of large language models for biological workflows and/or software development
Highly motivated and tenacious, self-starter who can work independently and proactively
Ability to organize among competing priorities and transition efficiently to new priorities
Detail oriented with the ability to see the big picture and work effectively at both high and detailed levels
Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
Willingness and capability to contribute to tasks outside of the job description
Exceptional critical thinking, data analysis, and problem solving skills; ability to present results to influence strategy
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail
Proficiency with Microsoft and Google software; especially spreadsheets and slide software; familiarity with video conferencing, Adobe Acrobat, Notion, DocuSign, Slack
Passion for Avalo’s mission
#J-18808-Ljbffr