Bioinformaticist - Neurology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 22 days vacation

Competitive health insurance

Metro U-Pass transit

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Staff Data Scientist to join the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center (NGI) in the Department of Neurology.

You will design and implement omics-based data analysis pipelines, manage large multi-omics datasets, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias discovery and personalized medicine efforts. The role emphasizes cross-modal integration of genomics with brain-imaging phenotypes, development of analysis software, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 4 years of research experience.
• No specific certification/professional license required.
• Experience with omics data analysis and cross-modal integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and implements algorithms and software for high-throughput omics datasets.
• Develops data management and analysis solutions for large datasets.
• Leads independent research, designs protocols, and manages data collection and verification.
• Performs complex system analyses 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 technical problems with equipment or test subjects and suggests improvements.

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, Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Tools

Computing clusters

Cloud computing services

Containerization

Plink

GWAS

Gene-burden

QTL colocalization

Mendelian randomization

Python

R

Perl

Java

UNIX/Linux

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis, and documentation of experiment results. The WashU School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, has an opening for a staff data scientist to join the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center (NGI).

The successful candidate will be involved in projects to perform big-data research, bundling genetics, multi-omics, biomarker, clinical, and histopathological data, to harness the full range of biologically relevant data to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. There is a particular emphasis on addressing important questions regarding sex dimorphisms, ancestry, and health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease. Another primary focus is the cross-modal integration of Alzheimer’s disease genomics with brain-imaging derived phenotypes to elucidate how genetics contributes to disease heterogeneity. Overall, this research will contribute importantly to the discovery of novel risk genes, steer basic research and drug development, and advance personalized medicine.

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.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Doctor of Philosophy in computer science or related field.
• Experience using computing clusters (batch processing), cloud computing services, and containerization.
• Experience with population genetics, genomics, and (whole genome) sequencing data, as well as related analytical approaches (Plink, GWAS, gene-burden, QTL colocalization, mendelian randomization, etc.).
• Experience with analysis of multi-omics data and cross-modal integration with genetics and imaging data.
• Analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of computational biology, probabilistic models, statistics, machine learning, and discrete mathematics.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large complex data sets, such as genome sequences, microarray gene expression studies, human genetic studies, and model organism studies, and to communicate data in a clear, concise manner.
• Expertise in standard bioinformatics tools.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Java), in a UNIX/Linux and/or Windows environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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.

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.