Genomics Data Scientist
Applies data science, machine learning and bioinformatics to genomic data. Analyses DNA sequences, identifies genetic variants, builds predictive models for disease risk and drug response, and develops computational tools for precision medicine and agricultural genomics.
- AI exposure
- 56 of 100, moderate exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 45%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- Medium
- Time to senior
- 8 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Runs a variant calling pipeline on whole-genome sequencing data, trains a model to predict pathogenic variants, reviews QC metrics, and meets with clinicians about a precision medicine case.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 130,000-190,000
- Mid
- KES 260,000-440,000
- Senior
- KES 520,000-950,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 77% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 18%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 50%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 32%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Training ML models on genomic data for variant classification
- Automating genome annotation and variant calling pipelines
- Generating research report drafts from analysis results
- Predicting disease risk from polygenic risk scores
Still human
- Designing genomic data analysis pipelines (GATK, DeepVariant, Strelka)
- Interpreting genetic variants in clinical and research contexts
- Building predictive models for disease risk and drug response
- Collaborating with biologists, clinicians and genetic counsellors
- Writing research publications and developing computational tools
- Ensuring data privacy and ethical use of genomic data
- Managing large-scale genomic databases and computing infrastructure
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Bioinformatics or CS degree
4-6 yearsHigh cost
BSc from UoN, JKUAT or Strathmore, plus genomics training
Genomics data science postgrad
2-4 yearsHigh cost
MSc or PhD with genomics focus
Who hires
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust
- ILRI
- Aga Khan University
- Genomic Health Kenya
- 54gene Kenya
Common misconceptions
Genomics data science is just bioinformatics
It applies advanced ML and statistical methods to genomic data for clinical and research applications — beyond traditional bioinformatics.
African genomics is not a priority
African populations have the greatest genetic diversity — studying it is critical for global precision medicine.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 45
- Supply pressure
- 8
- Balance
- High demand
What to learn
- Variant calling pipelines
- ML for genomics
- Statistical genetics
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
H3Africa initiative has built genomics capacity in Kenya (KEMRI, UoN). African BioGenome Project aims to sequence African species. Growing interest in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine for African populations who are underrepresented in genomic databases. ILRI conducts livestock genomics research. Global demand for genomics data scientists is high — intersection of data science and biology is scarce. Remote work opportunities available for computational genomics. Career path: Genomics Data Analyst → Senior Data Scientist → Principal Investigator → Genomics Lab Director.
Further reading
This role is rated 56 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.