Bioinformaticist - Gastroenterology (Hepatology)

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for a research scientist to join the Schwartz Laboratory in Gastroenterology. You will assist in developing and conducting HBV-focused research, including experiment design, data analysis, and thorough documentation of results.

The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge human models of viral infection, and contributing to understanding viral persistence to advance toward a functional cure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• 4 years of research experience required.
• No specific certifications required.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and implements algorithms and software for omics-based data sets (high-throughput, massively parallel genomic/proteomic/clinical).
• Data management and analysis solutions for large data sets.
• Independent research projects including design of research protocols and data collection procedures.
• Performs complex systems analysis of data and writes interpretative reports.
• Evaluates bioinformatics software.
• Trains researchers on analysis software and databases.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting of methods, data, and results.
• Solves problems with equipment or testing methods.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Big Data Processing

Bioinformatics Tools

Communication

Complex Data Analysis

Computational Biology

Critical Reasoning

Data Management

Discrete Mathematics

Group Problem Solving

Java

Machine Learning

Perl Programming

Probabilistic Modeling

Python

Statistics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Job description

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis, and documentation of experiment results.

The Schwartz Laboratory in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is seeking motivated and creative scientists to join our interdisciplinary research program investigating the biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the mechanisms that allow the virus to establish and maintain chronic infection.

Our long-term goal is to understand the complex interactions between HBV and its host that drive viral persistence and to use these insights to identify new strategies toward a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, which remains a major global health challenge and an important cause of liver related morbidity and mortality.

Our laboratory has a strong history of developing innovative human models of viral infection. We were among the first groups to establish hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection models using stem cell-derived hepatocytes, and we have continued to combine these systems with primary human hepatocytes, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and genetically distinct HBV clones to dissect the host and viral factors that determine infection and persistence. Recent work from the laboratory, published in Cell, identified a nucleosome-level molecular switch that primes and influences HBV infection (10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.033.)

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Designs, Develops, And Implements

• Algorithms and computer software for omics-based data sets [high-throughput, massively parallel genomic/proteomic/clinical.])
• Data management and analysis solutions that aid in the storage, investigation, and dissemination of large data sets.
• Independent research projects, including design of research protocols and development of procedures for the collection, verification, and management of data.
• Performs complex systems analysis of data and writes interpretative reports.
• Evaluates commercial and academic bioinformatics software.
• Trains other researchers on the everyday use of analysis software and research databases.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting of methods, data, and results.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects; suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.

Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal Office Environment

Physical Effort

• Typically Sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office Equipment

Education

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience

Research (4 Years)

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Education

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree, Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

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, Big Data Processing, Bioinformatics Tools, Communication, Complex Data Analysis, Computational Biology, Critical Reasoning, Data Management, Discrete Mathematics, Group Problem Solving, Java (Programming Language), Machine Learning (ML), Perl Programming, Probabilistic Modeling, Python (Programming Language), Statistics

Grade

R11

Salary Range

$55,200.00 - $100,000.00 / 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 [e-mail] 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, 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.