Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Bioinformatics Research Scientist Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 104,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital seeks a Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist in the NBTP to lead computational studies on pediatric brain tumor data. You will design pipelines, manage projects, and collaborate with investigators and external partners.

The role requires a PhD in bioinformatics or related field with post-degree experience, strong multi-omics and ML exposure, and proficiency in R/Python. Excellent communication is essential for cross-disciplinary work.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or data science.
• Experience with multi-omics platforms (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, Hi-C, single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics).
• Strong translational publications in cancer genomics, epigenomics, single-cell, or spatial omics.
• Proficiency in R and Python; HPC experience; building pipelines and tools.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform basic and advanced statistical analyses and algorithm implementation.
• Design and prepare training materials for bioinformatics software and databases.
• Act as liaison between end-users, software developers, system designers, and departments.

Skills

R

Python

HPC

Workflow management

Git

Data integration

Education

Master’s degree in bioinformatics, statistics/computer science

PhD preferred, with 2+ years post-degree experience

Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science

Tools

Nextflow

Snakemake

Git

Job description

The Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist performs data analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, experimental design, database development, mathematical modeling, and novel method development. Provides bioinformatics analysis for investigators and communicates analytical process and results.

The Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, improving, modifying, and operating data analysis pipelines. Manages projects and coordinates other efforts related to analysis and infrastructure as directed.

The Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP) is seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Research Scientist. The NBTP is a collaborative translational research program with a mission to improve survival and morbidity for children with brain tumors. Through application of cutting-edge molecular approaches to unique and data-rich cohorts, members of this program are efficiently translating laboratory findings into clinical practice and treatment innovations.

The successful candidate will contribute to discovery-driven computational studies of unprecedented multi-‘omics datasets obtained from children with malignant brain cancer. Through application of machine learning and integration of large multi-modal datasets, including bulk, single-cell, and spatial profiles, we aim to make novel insights with real-world clinical implications.

The candidate will work closely with other bioinformatics personnel within the NBTP to play an integral role in exciting collaborations, both within St. Jude and with prominent external collaborators. A deep understanding of cancer genomics, human genetics, transcriptomics, or epigenetics, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and expertise in NGS data analysis are essential for this position. The successful recruit must have the capacity to execute proficient computational analyses and troubleshoot independently, communicate effectively with the PI and collaborators across diverse disciplines, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or data science.
• Analyzed date using some the following platforms: long read sequencing, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, Hi-C, DNA methylation, single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and quantitative proteomics.
• A strong CV that includes translational publications in the field of cancer genomics, epigenomics, single-cell, and/or spatial ‘omics.
• Experience in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing human genomics datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing platforms including short- (Illumina) and long-read- (e.g. PacBio and Oxford Nanopore) whole-genome sequencing.Proficiency in relevant programming languages such as R and Python, preferably in a High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment. Exposure to building tools and developing pipelines a plus.
• Proficiency in tools for ensuring reproducibility of pipelines, such as workflow management systems (e.g., nextflow or snakemake), and version control (e.g., git).
• Extensive expertise in data integration and harmonization.
• Proven problem-solving skills and success collaborating with clinical and/or multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Minimum Education:

• Master’s degree in bioinformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences) or related field with 6+ years of experience post degree.
• PhD preferred, with 2+ years of experience post degree.

Minimum Experience:

• Experience Exception: Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
• Experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

The Bioinformatics Research Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, improving, modifying, and operating data analysis pipelines. Manages projects and coordinates other efforts related to analysis and infrastructure as directed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Independently perform basic and advanced level statistical analysis, algorithm implementation, programming from a variety of biotechnology platforms, and oversee quality check.

• Design and prepare materials and courses for training on various bioinformatics software and databases, computing, data mining, and analysis.

• Act as a liaison between end-users, software developers, system designers, and different departments.

• Establish protocols or best practices for common research tasks and SOP, evaluate products and solutions to make recommendations, and integrate solutions.

• Lead the development, implementation, installation, and maintenance of databases; coordinate data collection, database implementation, and usage and any hardware and software related to database collection.

• Develop programs to assist in the analysis of data within the databases.

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and organizing projects across departments and delegate tasks based on priority, expertise, and capacity.

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry) or related field.

• Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry).

• Experience Exception: Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with no experience.

• Experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Bioinformatics Research Scientist Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP).

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