Bioinformatics Scientist, Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public health laboratory in NYC seeks a Bioinformatics Scientist to develop analysis pipelines and perform bioinformatics analyses for public health threats. The role involves collaboration with various partners and offers opportunities to impact public health through genomic analysis.

Benefits

Loan forgiveness programs

Comprehensive benefits

Health insurance

Pension

Wellness programs

Work-from-home options

Job security

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field required for Level I.
• Research experience in public health genomics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bioinformatics analyses supporting public health efforts.
• Develop tools for pathogen identification and outbreak tracking.
• Mentor and cross-train staff and research fellows.

Skills

Linux command line

BASH scripting

R

Python

C

Java

SQL

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

MS in biological sciences

PhD in biological sciences

Tools

NGS analysis tools

Job description

Bioinformatics Scientist, Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory

The Division of Disease Control’s mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, achieved through the efforts of its seven Bureaus. The NYC Public Health Laboratory (PHL), one of the largest local public health labs in the U.S., contributes to NYC residents' health and safety by providing clinical and environmental testing services. PHL is dedicated to supporting public health priorities through quality laboratory testing.

The PHL seeks a qualified Bioinformatics Scientist to work mainly in its Bioinformatics Unit. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining analysis pipelines, performing bioinformatics analyses for high throughput sequencing (HTS) data, and supporting genomics analysis for public health threats like COVID-19, vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV, Legionella, and outbreaks of respiratory, foodborne, and waterborne diseases. This role offers an opportunity to collaborate with local, state, federal, and academic partners.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct bioinformatics analyses supporting public health efforts.
2. Develop or improve tools for pathogen identification, outbreak tracking, drug resistance mapping, variant analysis, genome annotation, and phylogenetics.
3. Enhance genomic tools for public health diagnostic testing from clinical and environmental samples.
4. Perform literature reviews and stay updated on scientific and epidemiological research.
5. Mentor and cross-train staff and research fellows.
6. Collaborate on genomics data management, including SQL databases and data sharing.
7. Participate in journal clubs and working groups.
8. Develop tools and strategies to make analyses accessible to non-bioinformaticians.
9. Represent the agency at meetings and conferences.
10. Draft protocols and maintain accurate records of software tools.
11. Publish manuscripts based on data analyses.
12. Ensure quality assurance and control of HTS data, including SOPs and validation protocols.
13. Follow best practices in code development and documentation.
14. Lead presentations and workshops on sequencing data quality and management.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Linux command line and BASH scripting.
• Experience in R, Python, C, Java, or similar languages.
• Knowledge of SQL.
• Experience with multi-core servers, automation, containerization, and workflow languages.
• Familiarity with NGS analysis tools and pipelines.
• Research experience in public health genomics.
• MS or PhD in biological sciences, genomics, or related fields.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Why You Should Work For Us

• Loan forgiveness programs.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, pension, and wellness programs.
• Work-from-home options.
• Job security and opportunity to impact public health.

Additional Information

Minimum qualifications include a master's degree in a relevant field for Level I, with higher qualifications for Level II and above. Residency within NYC or certain surrounding counties may be required. The position offers a salary range of $95,070 to $109,330, with a probationary period of one year. NYC residency generally required within 90 days of appointment. The department is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.