Research Data Scientist - Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 66,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State College of Medicine, seeks a PhD-trained Senior Bioinformatician/Research Data Scientist to lead advanced analytical work across translational research programs. You will analyze high-dimensional data, integrate multi-omics datasets, and build scalable computational infrastructure in collaboration with interdisciplinary faculty.

Lead reproducible workflows in Python, develop novel computational methods, and contribute to manuscripts and grant

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-dimensional biological or omics datasets.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with data science frameworks.
• Experience with single-cell data analysis tools (e.g., Scanpy).
• Experience integrating multi-omics datasets.
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced computational and statistical methods to analyze complex biological datasets.
• Perform integrative multi-omics analyses (genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, epigenomics).
• Develop and maintain reproducible workflows in Python.
• Collaborate with faculty to design computational strategies aligned with research aims.
• Create novel algorithms, software tools, and analytical pipelines for research questions.
• Generate high-quality visualizations and summaries for manuscripts and grants.
• Support training of trainees and junior investigators in data analysis.
• Ensure data management and reproducibility standards are maintained.

Skills

Python programming

Multi-omics integration

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Academic medical center experience

High-performance computing & cloud

Data visualization & interpretation

Literature and manuscript contribution

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

Scanpy

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine and Department of Medicine, seek a PhD-trained Senior Bioinformatician / Research Data Scientist to support an expanding portfolio of translational and precision health research programs. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate advanced computational and statistical approaches to analyze high-dimensional biological data, including multi-omics datasets. This role will collaborate closely with faculty investigators across disciplines—including aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, and mucosal immunology—to integrate genomics, transcriptomics (including single-cell), proteomics, and related datasets into mechanistic and translational insights. The Senior Bioinformatician will serve as a key computational partner across multiple projects, contributing to study design, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation while helping to build sustainable computational infrastructure within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, select, and apply advanced computational and statistical methods to analyze complex biological datasets
• Perform integrative multi-omics analyses (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell RNA‑seq, proteomics, epigenomics)
• Utilize and implement tools such as Scanpy and other single-cell analysis frameworks
• Develop and maintain reproducible workflows in Python and related programming environments
• Collaborate with faculty to design computational strategies aligned with research aims
• Develop novel algorithms, software tools, and analytical pipelines to address emerging research questions
• Generate high-quality visualizations and analytical summaries for manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations
• Contribute to interpretation of results and development of new hypotheses
• Support training of trainees and junior investigators in data analysis best practices
• Ensure data management, documentation, and reproducibility standards are maintained

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-dimensional biological or omics datasets
• Strong programming skills in Python (required) and familiarity with data science frameworks
• Experience with single-cell data analysis tools (e.g., Scanpy or similar platforms)
• Experience integrating multi-omics datasets
• Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Background in biology, immunology, cancer biology, infectious diseases, aging, or related biomedical fields
• Experience working in an academic medical center environment
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and cloud-based analysis
• Track record of contribution to peer-reviewed publications
• Impact of the Role This position will serve as the senior bioinformatics lead across multiple translational research initiatives, enabling integration of large-scale datasets into biologically meaningful discoveries. The role is central to advancing precision health initiatives and strengthening the department’s computational research capacity.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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