Bioinformatics Analyst

About the Role

This position is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, duration, and analysis of data from sequencing projects that generate and complement genomic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic data. Bioinformatics Analysts contribute to all phases of genomic data analysis to maintain scientific leadership through the application of bioinformatics and software engineering tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Production annotation activities, including metagenomic assembly, binning, and annotation.
• Analysis and synthesis activities, such as interpreting and analyzing biological information derived from annotations, reducing and consolidating software output, and preparing data and reports for utilization by other scientists. Examples include:
  • Data mining and analysis using internal resources, public databases, and scientific literature.
  • Performing statistical and comparative analysis.
• Public resource development, including:
  • Collecting and curating primary data.
  • Creating and populating database tables and/or websites.
  • Integrating data into databases or larger projects.
  • Synthesizing analyses into publication-ready text.
• Machine learning and explainable AI: Utilizing custom and off-the-shelf methods for feature selection and classification modeling to identify features of interest in datasets with more features than classifications.
• Executing bioinformatics assignments under direct supervision to meet project goals, working independently based on experience.
• Providing project leadership and mentoring beyond individual work scope, including leading small ad-hoc project teams.
• Defining and estimating task scope prior to implementation and executing projects within estimated time frames.
• Developing and maintaining an understanding of the scientific and biological domain, as well as bioinformatics tools, software, and IT technologies used by the team.
• Collaborating closely with software, bioinformatics, scientific, IT, and administrative personnel within and outside the Institute.
• Adhering to environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures, including reporting potential hazards.
• Performing other duties as assigned and strictly adhering to all documented policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological or Computational Sciences, plus experience working with computers in biological sciences.
• Specific technical skills and experience may include:
  • Bioinformatics tools and techniques.
  • Python or R coding skills.
  • Proficiency in UNIX and UNIX variants, Windows, and/or Macintosh operating systems.
  • Solid knowledge of molecular biology, DNA sequences, sequencing technologies, and genomics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, with the ability to meet schedules.
• Ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams and work independently.

Work Environment

• Moderate noise (e.g., business office with computers, phones, printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in confined areas.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
• Required to reach, stoop, and kneel to install computer equipment.
• Close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting required.