Bioinformatician

About the position

This position serves as a bioinformatics subject matter expert, building and supporting analytic methods and strategies to integrate workflow, pipelines, and analysis of sequencing data from sequence production to variant calling and interpretation. The role develops and maintains bioinformatics infrastructure and pipeline for sequencing data management, working closely with Health Section Managers for genomic sequence data analysis to identify and interpret variants associated with microorganisms as well as disorders in newborns.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements bioinformatics tools, reference databases, and standardized pipelines and architecture
• Performs quality control, assembly, annotation and analysis of genome sequences with version control
• Develops standard operating procedures for bioinformatics analysis
• Manages genome sequence files and databases, including uploads to CDC or other similar sequence data banks
• Identifies, develops, and implements effective techniques to customize, monitor, and troubleshoot bioinformatics workflows, scripts, and data to ensure the highest quality of laboratory services
• Troubleshoots, identifies areas of deficiencies and quality issues, and determines solutions
• Performs and assists with customer services activities
• Assists all Health Section departments with informatics and data handling activities, such as improving database workflow efficiency using macros, scripts, etc.
• Effectively communicates with management and staff at all levels in the laboratory
• Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve concerns
• Provides technical advice, training, educational materials, information, and associated data on bioinformatics
• Interacts with epidemiologists to review and optimize the performance of bioinformatics for surveillance purposes
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships
• Investigates all complaints and documents all problems and the follow-up actions taken
• Collects, compiles, and creates written reports and visualizations of requested information
• Plans, tracks tasks, ensuring milestones are completed within established timeframe, and reports progress and outcome measures to Unit managers and Health Section Chief and as requested to management
• Consults with internal and external partners on bioinformatics and genomic project planning and management
• Collaborates with colleagues from other public health laboratories and institutions for shared resources, ideas, and workflows
• Develops goals and manages resources
• Maintains knowledge of emerging bioinformatics tools and technologies through study of publications and attendance at scientific meetings and provides updates and recommends improvements to Unit manager as needed
• Participates in strategic planning and grant preparation activities to attain short-term and long-term goals and objectives in bioinformatics
• Assures cost effective infrastructure and optimizes data analysis workflow by overseeing and facilitating development and implementation of new tools, processes, techniques, and policies
• Determines specifications and ensures purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate equipment and peripherals are made to meet needs
• Works with the Office of Information Technology Services to ensure that software adheres to appropriate agency and regulatory compliance requirements

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, and/or a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, public health informatics, health information, or related field
• 1 year of experience in an informatics role
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and lab data
• Oral and Written communication
• Programming in Python/Java/JavaScript/C++
• Time management and planning
• Computational and statistical analysis and methods
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and ability to integrate those into robust analysis pipelines
• Organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of strategies for achieving effective sequencing data acquisition, management, quality
• Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes
• Ability to work in UNIX/Linux and high performance computing environments
• Ability to utilize computer programs for lab data analysis including trend analysis
• Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences
• Ability to establish goals and objectives

Pay

Annual pay range: $70,000 - $77,000. Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm with flexible schedules available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs