About DataHelix
Who We Are
DataHelix specializes in building sustainable bioinformatics capabilities for organizations working in genomics, microbiology, and epidemiology. We implement production-ready systems and transfer the technical knowledge required to operate them independently.
Our approach combines bioinformatics expertise, software engineering, and knowledge transfer methodologies. We work with organizations across research, diagnostics, and biotechnology sectors that are establishing genomics pipelines, expanding analytical capabilities, or building internal bioinformatics teams. The goal remains consistent: equip organizations with working systems and the competency to maintain them.
With experience spanning clinical genomics, pathogen surveillance, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and beyond, we understand both the technical requirements and the operational realities of running bioinformatics systems in production environments, whether you're a startup or an established pharmaceutical company.
What We Do
Implementation with knowledge transfer
We build bioinformatics pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and analytical systems designed for your team to operate. Every deployment includes comprehensive documentation, standard operating procedures, validation datasets, and hands-on training. You receive working systems along with the understanding to troubleshoot, optimize, and extend them.
Technical training and team development
Our training focus on practical competency development. Teams learn NGS data analysis, pipeline operation, cloud infrastructure management, and compliance implementation through workshops that combine theory with hands-on practice. We also offer train-the-trainer sessions so organizations can onboard new team members independently.
Strategic guidance on capability development
Building bioinformatics capabilities requires decisions about technology selection, infrastructure architecture, staffing, and compliance frameworks. We provide advisory support throughout the implementation process and ongoing consultation as your needs evolve.
Our Expertise
Genomics and microbial bioinformatics
We implement pipelines for whole-genome sequencing, variant analysis, antimicrobial resistance detection, genomic epidemiology, phylogenetic analysis, and human genomics applications. Our systems handle both short-read (Illumina, MGI, Element Biosciences, Ultima Genomics, Ion Torrent) and long-read (PacBio, Oxford Nanopore) data.
Laboratory operations and experimental design
Our foundation in molecular biology and clinical microbiology laboratories informs our bioinformatics implementations. We understand pre-analytical workflows, sample processing constraints, quality control protocols, and the practical realities of laboratory operations. This experience enables us to design bioinformatics systems that integrate smoothly with upstream laboratory processes and reflect real-world operational requirements.
Multi-omics analysis
Beyond genomics, we work with transcriptomics (bulk RNA-seq and single-cell), proteomics, spatial transcriptomics, metagenomics, and epigenetic analysis. We implement workflows for differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and multi-omics data integration.
Cloud infrastructure and DevOps
Our AWS-based architectures are designed for bioinformatics workloads. We implement scalable computing environments, data management systems, cost optimization strategies, and CI/CD pipelines. Teams receive training on infrastructure maintenance and troubleshooting.
Machine learning applications
We develop and deploy ML models for variant classification, pathogen detection, biomarker discovery, and predictive analytics. Our services include model interpretation, validation approaches, and maintaining models in production.
Regulatory compliance
We guide organizations through SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA requirements as they relate to genomics data handling, analysis systems, and cloud infrastructure. This includes documentation, technical controls, and audit preparation.
Why Organizations Work With Us
Practical transfer of technical knowledge
We design every implementation with knowledge transfer as a primary objective. Documentation explains not just how to use systems but how they work. Training sessions cover troubleshooting approaches, not just standard operations. Your team develops the competency to solve problems independently.
Experience in production environments
Our expertise comes from operating bioinformatics systems in clinical, public health, and research settings. We understand uptime requirements, compliance constraints, cost management, and the operational realities of production systems. This practical experience informs our implementation approach.
Focused on genomics applications
Our specialization in genomics means we understand the analytical requirements, data characteristics, and regulatory considerations across diverse applications: from human genomics and clinical diagnostics to pathogen surveillance and epidemiology. We implement solutions tailored to biological questions rather than generic data processing systems.
Commitment to sustainable capabilities
Success means your organization operates systems confidently without ongoing dependence on external support. We measure outcomes by your team's ability to handle routine operations, troubleshoot issues, and extend capabilities as requirements evolve.
Meet the Founder
Rick brings expertise in bioinformatics and genomics, IT infrastructure, software engineering, and project management developed through roles in diagnostic companies, research institutions, and consulting. He has deep technical experience building scalable analysis pipelines, implementing cloud infrastructure, and developing genomics solutions for clinical, research, and public health applications.
With a PhD in Bioinformatics and an Executive MBA, he combines technical depth with an understanding of organizational needs and business requirements. Previous experience includes leading bioinformatics operations, managing SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance implementations, and developing commercial diagnostic solutions.
Through DataHelix, Rick helps organizations build the capabilities required to operate bioinformatics systems independently, implementing working solutions while transferring the knowledge needed to sustain them.
Schedule A Consultation How We Work
We operate from Vienna, Austria, and serve organizations worldwide. Our engagements are designed to be flexible and effective regardless of location.
Remote collaboration forms the foundation of our work. When projects require on-site presence (e.g., for laboratory workflow assessments, infrastructure integration with local systems, or intensive hands-on training), we travel to your location. This hybrid approach combines the efficiency of remote work with the value of in-person collaboration when it matters most.
Our global client base spans research institutions, sequencing providers, diagnostic laboratories, healthcare organizations, BioTech, MedTech, AgriTech, and pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and beyond.