Bioinformatics Engineer

Windber Medical Center; Windber (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Windber Medical Center is seeking a qualified individual for a role in the Bioinformatics Department. This position entails evaluating bioinformatic systems, leading data visualization projects, and supporting users with data queries.

Candidates must hold a Master's degree and have significant experience with genomic data and software development tools such as Python and cBioPortal. The role remains dynamic and demands strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Four years minimum experience working with genomic and experimental data.
• Experience with open-source web applications for data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement new bioinformatic systems.
• Lead data operations to visualize large cancer-related data sets.
• Provide user support for data query and analysis.

Skills

Experience with software development

Data visualization

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Project management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Master's degree in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

cBioPortal

AWS

Python

C#

R

SQL

Job description

Purpose of Job

The Bioinformatics Department at CSSIMMW is responsible for providing bioinformatic and analytical support to the daily operations of the institute and conducting translational research in both technological and scientific fields. The Biomedical Informatics Infrastructure Department also supports biomedical informatics research. This cross‑functional position develops, deploys, and integrates experimental data and results into software used for visualization and analysis of large‑scale cancer data sets.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement new bioinformatic systems.
  • Evaluate and test both internal and external systems, with emphasis on data visualization and interpretation (ex. cBioPortal).
  • Make recommendations to leadership on the selection of new systems.
  • Collaborate with IT admins and development teams on software installation, upgrade, and deployment.
  • Contribute to QA/QC of the new system and on each upgrade.
• Lead data operations to visualize large complex cancer‑related data sets.
  • Integrate project results data into an open‑source web‑based software framework for visualization and interpretation of large data sets (ex. cBioPortal).
  • Evaluate new data types and formats, create necessary parsers, and configure the system interface for new analyses.
  • Responsible for QA/QC of the data and display before releasing to users.
• Provide user support.
  • Provide application support to users.
  • Provide data query and analysis support to internal and external researchers.
  • Gather user feedback for improvement.
  • Support integration with other databases and software systems.
• Contribute to the improvement of bioinformatics and software systems within the institute.
  • Keep up to date with advancements in bioinformatics and software engineering for continuous improvement of our systems.
  • Participate in requirement gathering, design, and development of new applications and modifications to existing applications.
  • Contribute to QA/QC of the applications in close collaboration with the development team.
• Write reports and abstracts.
  • Provide summary reports to leadership.
  • Present research and development results in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
  • Support grant applications.

Other Duties

• Handle confidential and proprietary information in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Assist other staff as needed and assigned.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Adhere to safety standards and regulations of the Institute.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of scientific equipment interfacing with technical support and sales staff as needed.
• Provide training to employees and interns as needed.
• Participate in CSSIMMW’s community involvement activities.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and presentations as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Supervision

Under the supervision of the Director of Bioinformatics. No direct supervision assigned.

Work Environment

The position occasionally requires a general laboratory environment. Standard lab PPE includes lab coat and gloves when in the lab setting.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Constantly (75‑100%) sit, reach, communicate orally, use both hands and legs, and engage in repetitive finger movement.
• Frequently (25‑75%) stand, walk, and lift light objects (max 10‑15 lbs).
• Occasionally (0‑25%) lift medium items (max 25 lbs) and push/pull lighter items.
• Manage multiple projects, pay close attention to details, work in a constantly changing environment, meet frequent deadlines, and maintain adequate record keeping.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Life Sciences/Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Four years minimum experience working with genomic and experimental data.
• Advanced experience with open‑source web‑based applications for visualizing large data, such as cBioPortal.
• Four years minimum experience developing software tools using programming languages, such as C#, Python, R, JavaScript, and SQL.
• Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS.
• Experience interfacing with both scientific and engineering teams.
• Proficiency working in Windows and Linux environments.
• Pragmatic self‑starter who is proactive, self‑motivated, team‑oriented, and customer‑focused.
• Ability to meet deadlines within a dynamic environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while adapting to changing priorities.
• Proactive learner, staying abreast of bioinformatics and industry trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and strong problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated skills in project management and formal continuous process improvement techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Proficient with Windows OS and Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Work independently and as a team player.
• Strong understanding of software design and architecture.
• Strong understanding of bioinformatics.
• Advanced skills integrating data into open‑source web‑based applications for visualizing large data sets (cBioPortal experience a plus).
• Experience implementing modern web‑based user interface designs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with people at various levels.
• Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions, and meet deadlines and milestones for assigned projects.
• Ability to present experimental results in an appropriate format.

Other

• Work is performed entirely in support of grant‑funded programs and is therefore dependent solely on the availability of funds.
• New incumbents incur a six‑month probationary period.