Introduction
As part of our staff augmentation services, we provide clients with access to rigorously vetted bioinformatics talent. We are dedicated to connecting specialized talent with challenging and impactful projects across data science, bioinformatics, and software development. Built by PhD-trained bioinformaticians and software engineers, our screening process reflects the realities of scientific computing – from debugging GATK workflows to scaling Nextflow or Snakemake pipelines on AWS.
Whether you’re scaling your team for a critical project or need specialized expertise on demand, our process ensures that the scientists and engineers we place are ready to contribute immediately. We evaluate not just technical skills, but how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems under pressure – exactly the traits required to succeed in fast-paced bioinformatics teams.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Leveraging Our Network & Initial Application
We start by reaching out to our existing network, prioritizing candidates we know, have worked with, or come highly recommended. We also post the job description online to attract a broader talent pool.
Candidates begin the process by answering a set of customized, technical screening questions tailored to the specific role. These questions assess their domain-specific knowledge in areas such as data analysis, programming, and handling large genomic datasets. Our goal is to identify individuals with strong foundational skills and a problem-solving mindset.
Step 2: GitHub & Code Review
Candidates are asked to provide their GitHub profile or an equivalent portfolio showcasing their previous work. Our data scientists and engineers carefully review their code for clarity, efficiency, adherence to best practices, and relevance to the latest industry trends. This step helps us assess their ability to write maintainable, high-quality code that holds up in production environments, under pressure, and in the face of real-world complexity.
Step 3: Initial Interview (Soft Skills & Experience)
Once their code is evaluated, we schedule an initial interview where candidates are asked to provide specific examples of the experience they referenced in their screening responses. This first interview focuses on how well candidates communicate succinctly technical ideas, collaborate across functions, and adapt to evolving scientific goals — all key traits for high-performing project teams. We look for individuals who are not only technically proficient but also communication-oriented and able to work with stakeholders of differing backgrounds.
Step 4: Technical Deep Dive
In the second (and sometimes third) interview, we expose candidates to additional team members who conduct a deeper dive into their past projects, technical challenges, and approach to solving real-world problems. This step helps us evaluate their problem-solving process, depth of experience, and ability to think critically.
Step 5: Technical Presentation & Problem-Solving Exercise
Candidates are asked to prepare and deliver a technical presentation on a data analysis project similar to the work our clients require. This presentation is followed by a rigorous Q&A session, where they defend their methodologies, decisions, and results. Additionally, we may present a real-world problem or case study to assess their ability to think under pressure and devise effective solutions on the spot.
Step 6: Final Approval & Client Introduction
If, and only if, every member of the interviewing team agrees that a candidate is a strong fit, we introduce them to a prospective client. We carefully match candidates with projects where they can immediately contribute, based on their technical stack (e.g., Nextflow, Snakemake, Seurat, AWS, GATK, etc) and domain experience. This final step ensures a mutual fit and sets the stage for a successful collaboration.
We’ve built scalable pipelines on AWS to handle everything from single-cell clustering to multi-modal variant analysis. We know what breaks in production and what survives cross-functional handoffs.
Conclusion: How to Partner with Us for Your Staffing Needs
We’ve sat in the same meetings, the same regulatory reviews, the same last-minute ‘why is this figure still broken?’ Slack threads. We’re not guessing what good talent looks like – we’ve worked beside them. Whether you’re a startup or a global corporation, we provide flexible staffing solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Here’s how we can help:
- Rely on our team’s bench science experience that ensures a faster and more efficient match
- Find the right talent instantly with our deep talent pool
- Avoid high management overhead by letting us handle recruitment, onboarding, and management
- Customize your support with engagement lengths and weekly commitment levels to perfectly match your project requirements, whether that’s for weeks, months, or years
- Predict costs with straightforward pricing models
Don’t let staffing challenges hinder your progress. Partner with us to access the talent you need, when you need it. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and discover how our flexible staffing solutions can help you achieve your goals.
