About this Senior Security Engineer role at Variant Bio
Variant Bio is developing life-saving therapies by studying the genes of people with exceptional health-related traits. By identifying communities with unique genetic architectures and outlier phenotypes, Variant Bio has identified novel human genetic evidence that is the basis for programs with breakthrough potential across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's research is powered by its proprietary Inference platform, which integrates across deep phenotyping and multi-omic data using statistical genetics and AI/ML approaches to identify and validate therapeutic targets. In addition, Variant Bio has established strategic partnerships with Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, validating the strength of the platform and enabling the advancement of novel therapeutic programs through world-class development expertise.
With ethics at its core, the company launched an unprecedented benefit-sharing program in 2020, in which it has pledged tangible benefits that directly impact the communities it partners with throughout the world.
ABOUT THE ROLE
At Variant Bio, protecting the data entrusted to us by our partner communities is fundamental to our mission. We're seeking a Senior Security Engineer to build and monitor the systems that safeguard our products and infrastructure, along with the privacy of the people who work with us.
Please note: While we prefer this role to be based in Seattle, WA, we are open to considering remote work for strong candidates.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor, detect, and respond to threats across Variant Bio's products and AWS cloud infrastructure.
- Design and implement security tools and solutions as needs evolve.
- Perform regular policy review and compliance assessments.
- Develop security-focused code, libraries, and frameworks for use across engineering teams, and collaborate with security and product development teammates to solve complex challenges and raise the bar across the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must Have...
- B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8+ years designing and implementing security systems, tools, or frameworks.
- Strong experience with AWS security services, IAM, SSO, and Control Tower for multi-account governance, including administering cross-account and cross-region IAM permissions.
- Networking experience with knowledge of VPN and Zero Trust connectivity.
- Extensive knowledge of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures.
- Proficiency in Python, Rust, or another programming language.
- Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on security solutions.
Nice to Have...
- Knowledge of AI/ML security, including model pipelines, training data, and emerging threats such as prompt injection and data exfiltration.
- A track record of driving ISO 27001 or SOC 2 readiness.
- Background securing systems in a clinical, healthcare, or FDA-regulated environment.
- Familiarity with data handling regulations, including HIPAA and GDPR.
- Demonstrated ability to influence engineers building security products.
- Contributions to the security or privacy community (research, open source, presentations).
COMPENSATION & PERKS
At Variant Bio, we’re building something meaningful and we believe supporting our people is essential to that mission. We offer a thoughtful and competitive set of benefits designed to support your health, growth, and life outside of work.
- Competitive Compensation & Equity – Market-competitive salary with the opportunity to participate in company equity and share in our long-term success.
- Comprehensive Health Benefits – Variant Bio covers 100% of employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance. Dependents may be added to the plan at an incremental cost.
- Flexible Time Off – Flexible paid time off and company holidays, with an emphasis on trust and personal responsibility.
- 401(k) Plan – Employer-sponsored retirement plan with company match.
- Professional Growth – Support for learning and development.
- Collaborative, Mission-Driven Culture – Work alongside a highly engaged, interdisciplinary team passionate about transforming human health through genetics.
- Early-Stage Impact – A chance to make a meaningful contribution at a growing biotech where your work has visible impact.
Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $160,000 - $220,000 plus up to 15% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up $184,000 - $253,000 plus equity options. The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.
Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
