Bioinformatics Research Scientist (II or III)

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida Health Cancer Institute invites applications for a Bioinformatics Research Scientist II or III. The position supports the Bioinformatics Unit in cancer genomics analyses, collaborating with biostatisticians and computational scientists to design studies and drive publication-ready results.

Applicants should have advanced training in bioinformatics or computational biology, with proficiency in R/Python, experience with high-throughput sequencing data, HPC environments,

Qualifications

• Masters' in bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, molecular biology, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data, evidenced by publications, preprints, dissertation work, or a public code portfolio.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and working knowledge of the Linux command line and shell scripting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of collaborators, including investigators, trainees, industry sponsors, partners at other institutions, and UFHCI staff.

Responsibilities

• Analyze high-throughput genomics data in support of UFHCI investigators, including bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation assays (WGBS, EM-seq, RRBS), ChIP-seq, and whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing.
• Consult with investigators on experimental design, feasibility, and analysis plans before data are generated, and contribute analysis plans, preliminary data, and written text to grant applications.
• Develop, adapt, and maintain reproducible analysis pipelines and software on UF's HiPerGator high-performance computing cluster, using workflow managers, containers, and version control.
• Integrate multi-omic, clinical, and publicly available data sets; develop or adapt statistical and computational methods where existing tools are inadequate.
• Interpret results in collaboration with investigators and contribute figures, methods sections, and manuscript text to publications and presentations.
• Maintain organized project documentation, code repositories, and data management practices, and track service requests and effort for shared-resource reporting.
• Contribute to training and outreach for cancer center members and trainees, including workshops, tutorials, and individual instruction.
• Maintain current knowledge of the field through seminars, journal clubs, and scientific meetings, and evaluate emerging methods and tools for adoption by the unit.

Skills

R and Python proficiency

Linux command line

Public code portfolio

Strong communication

Education

Masters in bioinformatics / computational biology

Doctorate in bioinformatics / related field

Tools

SLURM

Nextflow/Snakemake/WDL

Docker/Apptainer

Git

Job description

Bioinformatics Research Scientist (II or III)

Job No: 541473

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Computer Science, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department: 27320702 - HA-UFHCI BIOSTAT COMP BIOL SR

Job Description

Classification Title: Bioinformatics Analyst II/III

Classification Minimum Requirements

• Bioinformatics Analyst II: A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of experience.
• Bioinformatics Analyst III: A master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of experience or a bachelor's degree and four years of experience.

About UFHCI

The University of Florida Health Cancer Institute (UFHCI) is an NCI-designated cancer center comprising more than 350 basic, translational, and population-based scientists and clinicians who conduct research for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A central collaborative research model encourages translation of basic laboratory findings into novel therapies, and the multidisciplinary membership of the Institute is its strength. Researchers are drawn from across UF, including six colleges within the Health Science Center — Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine — as well as the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Health and Human Performance, Journalism and Communications, and Agricultural and Life Sciences. Research is organized around four programs: Cancer Control and Population Sciences; Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics; Immuno-Oncology and Microenvironment; and Mechanisms of Oncogenesis.

About the Position

UFHCI invites applications for both a Doctoral- and Masters-level bioinformatics research scientist in the Biostatistics and Computational Biology Shared Resource (BCB-SR). The position reports to the Associate Director for Cancer Quantitative Sciences and Director of the BCB-SR and works within the Bioinformatics Unit alongside biostatisticians and other computational scientists.

The Bioinformatics Unit provides analytical support to UFHCI members. The successful candidate will work directly with cancer researchers from experimental design through analysis, interpretation, and publication. The position carries a broad and changing project portfolio, substantial investigator contacts, and regular co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze high-throughput genomics data in support of UFHCI investigators, including bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation assays (WGBS, EM-seq, RRBS), ChIP-seq, and whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing.
• Consult with investigators on experimental design, feasibility, and analysis plans before data are generated, and contribute analysis plans, preliminary data, and written text to grant applications.
• Develop, adapt, and maintain reproducible analysis pipelines and software on UF's HiPerGator high-performance computing cluster, using workflow managers, containers, and version control.
• Integrate multi-omic, clinical, and publicly available data sets; develop or adapt statistical and computational methods where existing tools are inadequate.
• Interpret results in collaboration with investigators and contribute figures, methods sections, and manuscript text to publications and presentations.
• Maintain organized project documentation, code repositories, and data management practices, and track service requests and effort for shared-resource reporting.
• Contribute to training and outreach for cancer center members and trainees, including workshops, tutorials, and individual instruction.
• Maintain current knowledge of the field through seminars, journal clubs, and scientific meetings, and evaluate emerging methods and tools for adoption by the unit.

This is a professional position ideal for candidates with advanced training, education, and experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, or similar fields. Employees in these roles operate as part of our collaborative research enterprise and are fundamental to the progress of cancer research being conducted at the University of Florida. A complete job description will be provided to candidates selected for interview.

Expected Salary

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is a TEAMS position, and is eligible for a suite of excellent benefits, retirement options, and paid leave.

About the City of Gainesville

Home to the University of Florida, one of the nation's top public universities, Gainesville offers vibrant academic and healthcare communities alongside an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and mild winters. Enjoy the outdoors with over 30 miles of bike trails, freshwater springs, and numerous water activities, plus easy access to beaches and world-class theme parks.

Gainesville combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a great school system, a lively downtown, and farmers' markets and craft breweries. Discover professional growth and quality of life in Gainesville—where community, innovation, and work-life balance meet!

For more information, check out: The Guide to Greater Gainesville and Explore Gainesville in 60 seconds.

Required Qualifications

Bioinformatics Research Scientist

• Masters' in bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, molecular biology, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data, evidenced by publications, preprints, dissertation work, or a public code portfolio.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and working knowledge of the Linux command line and shell scripting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of collaborators, including investigators, trainees, industry sponsors, partners at other institutions, and UFHCI staff.

Sr. Bioinformatics Research Scientist

• Doctorate in bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, molecular biology, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data, evidenced by publications, preprints, dissertation work, or a public code portfolio.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and working knowledge of the Linux command line and shell scripting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of collaborators, including investigators, trainees, industry sponsors, partners at other institutions, and UFHCI staff.

Preferred

• Experience in a shared resource, or other collaborative setting managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
• Experience with high-performance computing environments and job schedulers such as SLURM.
• Experience with workflow systems (Nextflow, Snakemake, or WDL), containerization (Apptainer/Singularity, Docker), and version control (Git).
• Experience with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis.
• Working knowledge of applied statistics relevant to genomics, including generalized linear models, mixed models, multiple testing correction, and multi-omic integration.
• Familiarity with public data resources and repositories such as TCGA, GTEx, ENCODE, GEO/SRA, and dbGaP.
• Experience with compiled languages (C++, Rust), SQL, or relational database design.
• Experience developing and releasing software packages (Bioconductor, CRAN, PyPI, or equivalent).
• Experience contributing to federal grant applications.
• Familiarity with handling protected health information and controlled-access data under HIPAA and dbGaP data use agreements.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

Applicants must upload a copy of the following documents to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• List of Three Professional References

This is not a remote work position, and is located on the University of Florida's Main Campus in Gainesville, FL.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Applications Close: 18 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.