Research Scientist - Bioinformatician

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Two fully-funded pension plan options

Education Reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

State of Indiana seeks a Research Scientist - Bioinformatician to lead next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines and data analysis within IDOHL, overseeing staff training and documentation to ensure quality control.

The role focuses on antimicrobial resistance and reference bacteriology, Enterics, Virology, and wastewater sequencing efforts, with extensive requirements in bioinformatics and molecular biology for public health impact.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
• Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
• Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, validate and implement novel Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) based laboratory assays using advanced computational resources and reproducible programming.
• Perform and maintain bioinformatics NGS data analysis using developed software and workflows.
• Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned.
• Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate results.
• Utilize molecular techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and NGS.
• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.

Skills

Molecular biology principles

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatic pipelines

Troubleshooting NGS

Laboratory reporting

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Bioinformatics software

NGS pipelines

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Indiana Department Of Health (IDOH)

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for the next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines and data analysis. This if for the Antimicrobial Resistance and Reference Bacteriology, Enterics, Virology, Tuberculosis, and Wastewater sections at IDOHL. This position would also be responsible for data analysis and NGS pipelines for any new sequencing efforts that are brought on at IDOHL. The Research Scientist - Bioinformatician oversees the creation and the running of the NGS pipelines as well as troubleshoots other advanced molecular detection issues that arrive. This position is responsible for ensuring that staff are sufficiently trained in running their data through approved pipelines. The Research Scientist is also responsible for documentation and quality control in regards to NGS pipelines.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Develop, design, validate and implement novel Next-Generation Sequencing NGS-based laboratory assays using advanced computational resources and reproducible programming.
• Perform and maintain bioinformatics NGS data analysis using developed software and workflows.
• Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned.
• Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate data.
• Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing, and NGS.
• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need For Success

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
• Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
• Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated analysis techniques.
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate for this role should have Extensive knowledge of molecular biology principles, theories, practices, NGS, and related sub-specialties.
• Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in NGS data analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
• Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level and in analysis.
• Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated analysis techniques. Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.
• Completion of relevant educational degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
• Knowledge of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Analyzing and creating reports based on findings and results to provide the necessary training for other team members.
• Two years of professional experience performing bioinformatic analysis using high-throughput sequencing data.
• A master’s degree in the fields above may count towards 18 months of professional experience.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail].