Research Data Scientist - Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine

About the role

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine and Department of Medicine, seek a PhD-trained Senior Bioinformatician / Research Data Scientist to support an expanding portfolio of translational and precision health research programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, select, and apply advanced computational and statistical methods to analyze complex biological datasets
• Utilize and implement tools such as Scanpy and other single-cell analysis frameworks
• Develop and maintain reproducible workflows in Python and related programming environments
• Collaborate with faculty to design computational strategies aligned with research aims
• Develop novel algorithms, software tools, and analytical pipelines to address emerging research questions
• Generate high-quality visualizations and analytical summaries for manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations
• Contribute to interpretation of results and development of new hypotheses
• Support training of trainees and junior investigators in data analysis best practices
• Ensure data management, documentation, and reproducibility standards are maintained

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-dimensional biological or omics datasets
• Strong programming skills in Python (required) and familiarity with data science frameworks
• Experience with single-cell data analysis tools (e.g., Scanpy or similar platforms)
• Experience integrating multi-omics datasets
• Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Background in biology, immunology, cancer biology, infectious diseases, aging, or related biomedical fields
• Experience working in an academic medical center environment
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and cloud-based analysis
• Track record of contribution to peer-reviewed publications

Impact of the Role

This position will serve as the senior bioinformatics lead across multiple translational research initiatives, enabling integration of large-scale datasets into biologically meaningful discoveries. The role is central to advancing precision health initiatives and strengthening the department’s computational research capacity.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.