Research Professional 5-Informatics - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 84,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time Bioinformatics Analyst in the Brooke Lab, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The analyst will perform cutting-edge bioinformatics analyses focusing on viral genomics and single-cell RNA-seq, collaborating with lab members and external partners.

The role emphasizes designing scalable workflows, developing tools, and mentoring colleagues.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with significant bioinformatics experience.
• 6+ years of research experience in viral genomics and computational biology.
• Hands-on experience with single cell RNAseq datasets.
• Hands-on experience in developing and carrying out data analytical strategies and pipelines for analyzing datasets from high-throughput platforms such as next generation sequencing.
• Must be able to understand and translate life scientist researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements.
• Must be able to function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve the project's goals and the group's mission.
• Excellent oral and written English communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• 70%: Design and implement informatics workflows for Brooke Lab projects and manage data structures for samples and backups.
• 20%: Train lab members to run their own bioinformatics analyses.
• 10%: Lead development of new computational tools and manage a journal club for computational approaches in virology.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Viral genomics

Single-cell RNA-seq

Computational biology

Data analysis pipelines

Git/GitHub

HPC

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Microbiology

Immunology

Education

Advanced degree in bioinformatics or related field

Tools

HPC environments

GitHub

Job description

Job Details

• Job ID: 376198
• Location: Twin Cities
• Job Family: Research
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Job Code: 9791IF
• Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

We are hiring a full-time Bioinformatics Analyst to support research in the Brooke Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Minnesota. The analyst in this position will conduct cutting-edge bioinformatics analyses in close collaboration with members of the Brooke Lab and collaborators. These analyses will focus on both viral genomics and single cell analyses, as well as the development of methods and tools for analyzing a variety of data types.

The analyst in this position must have excellent communication skills, strong analytical, computational, and life sciences training or experience, and be comfortable working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team on diverse projects.

Position Responsibilities:

• 70%: Serve as a bioinformatics analyst and developer for research projects within the Brooke lab, designing and implementing appropriate informatics workflows. Develop, maintain, organize data structures for samples and data backups.
• 20%: Teach lab members how to independently run their own bioinformatics analyses.
• 10% Lead efforts to develop new computational tools and manage a regular journal club group for computational approaches in virology.

The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies with demonstrated practical experience in performing advanced viral genomics and single cell RNAseq analyses.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree with significant bioinformatics experience.
• 6+ years of research experience in viral genomics and computational biology.
• Hands-on experience in working with single cell RNAseq datasets
• Hands-on experience in developing and carrying out data analytical strategies and pipelines for analyzing datasets from high-throughput platforms such as next generation sequencing.
• Must be able to understand and translate life scientist researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements.
• Must be able to function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve the project's goals and the group's mission.
• Excellent oral and written English communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Research background in microbiology and/or immunology is highly preferred.
• Significant experience with one or more of the following types of analysis is highly preferred: bulk and single cell transcriptomics, variant calling, genome assembly/annotation.
• Use of reproducible research methods and software version control (e.g. git/GitHub).
• Experience using high-performance computing (HPC) environments and job scheduling.

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions, and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $84,200 to $89,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.