Bioinfo-Comput Biologist Lead (Term-Limited)

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan invites applications for an independent computational biology leader to support pediatric brain tumor research. You will design and implement novel analyses and bioinformatic tools for single-cell and multiomic datasets, and interpret results across integrated datasets.

You will mentor students and staff, lead scientific communication, and contribute to grant and manuscript writing while ensuring reproducible, high-quality computational genomics work.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science or Engineering
• At least 10 years professional experience in positions primarily performing Computational Biology

Responsibilities

• Independently design, perform, and interpret advanced computational analyses supporting pediatric brain tumor research.
• Develop and implement novel computational methods and bioinformatic tools for single-cell and multiomic datasets.
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of scRNA-seq data and integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical datasets.
• Mentor graduate students, postdocs, and research personnel in computational analysis and experimental design.
• Provide scientific expertise in computational genomics and data analysis.

Skills

Computational biology

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

R

Python

Bioinformatics pipelines

Job description

Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership, Computational Biology, and Bioinformatics

Independently design, perform, and interpret advanced computational analyses supporting the laboratory's pediatric brain tumor research program. Develop and implement novel computational methods and bioinformatic tools to analyze single-cell and multiomic datasets generated from pediatric brain tumors and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lead the analysis and biological interpretation of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical datasets to address complex biological questions. Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research personnel in computational analysis, experimental design, and interpretation of bioinformatic studies while providing scientific expertise in computational genomics and data analysis.

Computational Genomics, Epigenomic Analysis, and Translational Assay Development

Independently design, perform, supervise, and interpret advanced computational analyses of genomic and epigenomic datasets, including single-cell transcriptomic, chromatin accessibility (ATAC‑seq), and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‑seq) data generated from pediatric brain tumor specimens and experimental models. Develop, optimize, and maintain computational pipelines for multiomic data integration, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation. Assist in the development and validation of next‑generation sequencing and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for cell‑free tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection and contribute computational expertise to correlative genomic studies involving clinical biospecimens from institutional and multi‑center clinical trials.

Grant, Manuscript, and Scientific Communication

Prepare significant portions of grant applications, progress reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations related to computational biology, genomics, epigenomics, and pediatric neuro‑oncology. Co‑author peer‑reviewed publications, generate computational analyses and publication‑quality figures, and present research findings at institutional, national, and international scientific meetings. Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators to translate computational discoveries into biological and clinical insights.

Personnel Supervision, Training, and Laboratory Operations

Provide functional supervision and scientific mentoring to graduate students, research personnel, and trainees engaged in computational biology and genomics research. Train laboratory members in bioinformatic workflows, reproducible computational practices, genomic data analysis, and best practices for computational reproducibility. Ensure adherence to institutional standards for data management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance for genomic analyses involving human specimens.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science or Engineering field
• At least 10 years professional experience in positions primarily performing Computational Biology

Desired Qualifications

This is a one year term‑limited appointment, with the possibility to extend based on the need and funding. If at the end of the term and your appointment is not renewed, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction‑in‑Force (RIF) benefits. This term‑limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U‑M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.