Senior Bioinformatics Analyst/Engineer

Parsons; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 104,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons seeks a Senior Bioinformatics Analyst/Engineer to develop computational methods for infectious-disease genomics, pathogen surveillance, and fieldable bioinformatics at NMRC BDRD.

The role spans analysis of NGS data, building automated workflows, and deploying capabilities in lab and field settings, with collaboration across scientific and international partner teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science combined with biology or bioinformatics experience.
• At least seven years of hands-on bioinformatics experience.
• Demonstrable multiyear experience in computer science, genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
• Expert programming skills using languages and tools such as Java, Perl, Python, and R.
• Familiarity with relevant NGS technologies, including Illumina, PacBio, and ONT platforms.
• Familiarity with microarray and/or single-cell sequencing technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and independent problem-solving ability.
• Ability to perform under deadlines and in potentially austere environments.
• Ability to provide occasional after-hours support based on assigned mission requirements.
• Availability for national and international travel of up to two to four weeks.
• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and Government access.

Responsibilities

• Analyze NGS data from pathogens, near neighbors, bacteriophages, and complex samples.
• Develop, validate, benchmark, and maintain automated bioinformatics pipelines.
• Perform genome assembly, annotation, taxonomic profiling, and coinfection detection.
• Conduct phylogenetic and molecular epidemiological analyses.
• Prepare scientific data and metadata for approved database submission.
• Test and evaluate emerging bioinformatics software and analytical methods.
• Develop or improve bioinformatics software for laboratory or field use.
• Apply statistical, AI, or machine-learning approaches to biological datasets when required.
• Document workflows, software configurations, test results, limitations, and user procedures.
• Support training, demonstrations, and technical reach-back for partner laboratories and field operators.
• Troubleshoot analytical and software issues under operational deadlines.
• Collaborate with scientific, laboratory, software, and international partner teams.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Programming: Java/Perl/Python/R

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/CS

7+ years hands-on bioinformatics experience

Tools

Java

Perl

Python

R

Illumina

PacBio

ONT

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Analyst/Engineer to develop and apply computational methods supporting infectious-disease genomics, pathogen surveillance, emerging-threat response, and fieldable bioinformatics at NMRC BDRD.

The selected candidate will work across scientific and software disciplines to analyze NGS data, build and validate automated workflows, improve analytical methods, and support deployment of bioinformatics capabilities in laboratory and field environments.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Analyze NGS data from pathogens, near neighbors, bacteriophages, and complex samples.

• Develop, validate, benchmark, and maintain automated bioinformatics pipelines.

• Perform genome assembly, annotation, taxonomic profiling, and coinfection detection.

• Conduct phylogenetic and molecular epidemiological analyses.

• Prepare scientific data and metadata for approved database submission.

• Test and evaluate emerging bioinformatics software and analytical methods.

• Develop or improve bioinformatics software for laboratory or field use.

• Apply statistical, AI, or machine-learning approaches to biological datasets when required.

• Document workflows, software configurations, test results, limitations, and user procedures.

• Support training, demonstrations, and technical reach-back for partner laboratories and field operators.

• Troubleshoot analytical and software issues under operational deadlines.

• Collaborate with scientific, laboratory, software, and international partner teams.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science combined with biology or bioinformatics experience, or a closely related field.

• At least seven years of hands-on bioinformatics experience.

• Demonstrable multiyear experience in computer science, genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.

• Expert programming skills using languages and tools such as Java, Perl, Python, and R.

• Familiarity with relevant NGS technologies, including Illumina, PacBio, and ONT platforms.

• Familiarity with microarray and/or single-cell sequencing technologies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and independent problem-solving ability.

• Ability to perform under deadlines and in potentially austere environments.

• Ability to provide occasional after-hours support based on assigned mission requirements.

• Availability for national and international travel of up to two to four weeks.

• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and Government access.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring

• Experience with infectious-disease genomics, metagenomics, biosurveillance, or outbreak response.

• Experience with containers, workflow engines, version control, CI/CD, cloud, or high-performance computing.

• Experience validating analytical pipelines using benchmark datasets.

• Experience developing fieldable or disconnected bioinformatics software.

• Experience with AI/ML model development for genomic or biological data.

• Experience supporting DoD or international partner laboratories.

• Experience producing user guides and training technical personnel.

• An active Secret security clearance.

Compliance Note

This position is expected to follow the established on-site work schedule at Fort Detrick. Participation in assigned rotational reach-back coverage may be required outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Security Clearance Requirement:

None

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/ .

About Us

Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider focused on the defense, security, and infrastructure markets. With nearly 75 years of experience, Parsons is uniquely qualified to deliver cyber/converged security, technology-based intellectual property, and other innovative services to federal, regional, and local government agencies, as well as to private industrial customers worldwide.

Parsons is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran/LGBTQ+.