Bioinformatics Research Analyst - Genetics

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a bioinformatics-focused researcher to lead dry-lab data analysis for brain gene expression studies. You will work on RNA-seq and single-cell datasets, applying algorithms and building analysis pipelines with mentorship from a strong genomics team.

The role involves data management, method reporting, and collaboration with investigators, with opportunities to present work in team meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience requirement.
• 2+ years related work experience in genomics or bioinformatics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply algorithms for omics data analysis (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, MPRA).
• Visualize results and interpret genomic data.
• Manage data, support reproducible analyses, and share methods and results.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Combination of education and experience

Tools

R

Python

Linux/UNIX

Nextflow

Snakemake

Docker

Git

Job description

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.

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 elsewhe