Bioinformatics Research Analyst - Genetics

# Location
SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110


# Scheduled Hours
40

# Position Summary
The Dougherty lab (http://genetics.wustl.edu/jdlab/) is a mixed wet-lab dry lab environment studying gene expression in the brain in the context of psychiatric genetics. We are generating extensive transcriptomic (bulk RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, MPRA RNA-seq) datasets and need a creative, motivated and intelligent researcher to take the lead in the analysis and interpretation of this data. We have an extremely strong record in gene expression profiling analysis and can offer mentoring in the analysis of genomics experiments and the use of computational statistics.
Provides critically complex dry-lab research and experimentation for the team, allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. The role will further serve as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. They may also participate and/or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department, especially to team meetings.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

- Implements: Algorithms and computer software for analyzing omics-based data sets [high-throughput, massively parallel genomic/proteomic/clinical].
- Visualizes results from a wide range of different experiments
- Data management and analysis solutions that aid in the storage, investigation and dissemination of large data sets.
- Coordinates research project with other investigators and institutions.
- Participates in developing hypotheses and experimental design.
- Creates software to assist in data collection, and teaches basic or novel elements of computer science to others in the lab
- Provides guidance and troubleshooting support for the use of software.
- Assists with reporting of methods, data and results.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards
- Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals
- Normal office environment.

Physical Effort

- Typically sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (PC Typing).

Equipment

- Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses :
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:
Relevant Experience (2 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in bioinformatics, genetics, statistics, data science, computer science or a related field.
- Enjoy contributing as a team member in a fast-paced interactive environment, as well as working on self-directed research within the broader goals of the group.
- Excellent computational skills. The ideal applicant will be well-versed in R and/or Python, with experience in a compiled language (e.g., C) as a plus.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and proven ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Background in the application of statistical methods in the biological and medical sciences is advantageous.
- Experience with automated analysis pipeline frameworks such as nextflow or snakemake.
- Experience navigating in a Linux/UNIX environment, and job scheduling (SLURM, LSF) with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
- Experience teaching or mentoring in computer science or bioinformatics
- Experience with containerization software such as singularity, apptainer, docker, and conda
- Experience using version control (e.g., git and GitHub)
- Experience with large datasets and data transfers (e.g., Globus, sftp)
- Familiarity with popular RNA-seq analysis packages (e.g., DESeq2, EdgeR, limma) and single cell RNA-seq packages (e.g., Seurat, scanpy)
- Familiarity with basics and application of machine learning (e.g., linear regression, PCA)
- Some experience in data generation or wet-lab background is a plus.
- Good understanding of computational biology.
- Ability to analyze and interpret large complex data sets, such as genome sequencing, RNA-seq gene expression studies, human genetic studies, and model organism studies, and to communicate data in a clear, concise manner.
- Expertise in standard bioinformatics tools.
- Ability to balance multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:
Master's degree - Bioinformatics
Certifications /Professional Licenses :
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Bioinformatics Tools, Communication, Complex Data Analysis, Computational Biology, Critical Reasoning, Gene Expression Microarray, Genome Sequencing, Group Problem Solving, Human Genetics, Model Organism

# Grade
R09

# Salary Range
$41,700.00 - $75,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email   [email protected]   or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

# Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

# EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.