Computational Genomics Specialist

Valex LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A research support company in the Washington, D.C. area seeks a Computational Genomics Specialist. The role involves developing algorithms, providing training, and collaborating with NIH researchers. Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. and have experience with bioinformatics tools. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. This position offers a unique opportunity to support groundbreaking research in computational biology.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in open-source bioinformatics software.
• Experience with Next Generation sequencing analysis tools.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Implement and innovate computational biology algorithms.
• Provide training and consultation services to researchers.
• Support researchers with computational biology software.

Skills

Computational biology

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. in computational biology or related field

Tools

UNIX/Linux

Next Generation sequencing tools

R Bioconductor

Job description

Computational Genomics Specialist, Washington, D.C. area

Valex LLC is searching for a highly motivated Computational Biology Specialist to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The position is part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists who provide computational biology support, training, and consultation services to researchers.

Duties and responsibilities

Work cooperatively with the current computational biology specialists to:

• Implement, design, develop, and innovate current and emerging computational biology and bioinformatics algorithms to analyze, interpret, visualize, and illustrate original scientific data;
• Enter into long-term scientific collaborations that include the potential for authorships and acknowledgements in publications;
• Document and manage collaborative and consultant assistance and training provided to researchers;
• Provide on-site, on-demand support and troubleshooting to researchers in the use of computational biology software;
• Research, design, and deliver training materials, courses, presentations, and workshops to effectively communicate, promote, and advance computational biology techniques and software usage by NIH researchers;
• Remain abreast on current and emerging computational biology technologies and tools.

Required Technical Skills:

• Ph.D. (or other graduate degree with equivalent experience) in computational biology, bioinformatics, or related life, physical, or computational sciences with at least one publication demonstrating the use or development of computational biology applications;
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a broad spectrum of open-source bioinformatics software, including applications employing ontologies, pathways, networks, phylogenetics, and/or structural biology at both the individual gene and genomic scales;
• Experience with Next Generation sequence data analysis using tools such as Tophat/Cufflinks, BWA, MIRA4, Velvet, SOAPdenovo, GATK, IGV, ANNOVAR, SnpEff, Trinity, Samtools, BAMtools, SSAHA2, R Bioconductor, Newbler, 454 Suite, CLC Workbench, Annovar, snpEff, QIIME, mothur, MACS;
• Proficiency in the use of UNIX/Linux and its command-line environment, including scripting (shell, Perl, Python, Ruby, Tcl/Tk, etc.);
• Familiarity with common methods of statistical analysis using R, SAS, or related software;
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers running the Macintosh OS X and/or Microsoft Windows operating systems;
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, written, and oral communication skills to convey computational biology principles and concepts to non-specialists in a clear and precise manner and advise on relevant software and tools with a dedication to customer satisfaction;
• Attention to detail, including time and project management skills, to track, update, and generate reports on ongoing projects;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an in-person and remote multi-disciplinary team with a high level of personal and professional drive and initiative;
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to learn new software quickly;

Desired skills:

• Familiarity with a high-performance parallel computing environment and understanding of problems and bottlenecks associated with storage and management of genomic-scale data;
• Familiarity with algorithms and algorithm development for bioinformatics, including composing, editing, and compiling open-source code;
• Strong background in molecular/cellular biology, immunology, and/or virology, including "bench" experience