Researcher 2 - Informatics

About The Job

We are looking for a Research Professional in Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) to support the genomics component of our extensive comparative oncology and immunology portfolio within the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program at the Masonic Cancer Center and the College of Veterinary Medicine. This position will focus on performing independent bioinformatics analyses of three projects, described in the responsibilities section below. The role requires a strong command of mathematical and biological principles and advanced computing skills to handle datasets of whole transcriptome RNA sequencing, ATAC sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. The objective of this position is to complete data analysis and integration of ATAC and RNA sequencing datasets for publication. The position is available for a 12-week period at full-time (temp/casual employment).

Job Responsibilities

100% – Project 1: VSF Immunology of Osteosarcoma

• Integrated analysis of bulk RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing of immune cells from dogs with bone cancer and from healthy dogs, including subjects that were enrolled in experimental therapeutic studies
• Investigation of genomic signals associated with cellular stress

Location and Work Environment

University of Minnesota — Twin Cities campus (East Bank). This position has been designed to provide maximum flexibility. Work location is determined by the nature of tasks at hand: when duties require in-person meetings, training, or use of laboratory resources, on-site presence is required. When duties can be performed with full remote access (e.g., data analysis, manuscript preparation, project updates), remote work is an option. Schedules may vary from week to week with an average of 1–4 days of remote work per week.

Work Schedule

Standard availability is expected Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may occasionally arise and is performed on a voluntary basis. Remote work flexibility is available as described above, averaging 1–4 remote days per week depending on project demands.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BS or BA degree in the biological sciences and/or related to mathematical or computational biology, with two or more years of relevant work experience in bioinformatics/computational biology since completion of the degree OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 6 years
• Documented evidence of direct experience with bioinformatics analysis and handling of tumor and immune datasets
• Strong command of biological principles, including evolution and natural selection
• Basic understanding of neoplasia and immune function
• Command of R and/or Python computing platforms
• Experience mapping data to species-specific genomes and performing analyses from open source and custom experimental datasets (e.g., bulk RNAseq, ATAC-seq, integrative analyses)
• Proficiency with Linux and the ability to work from a command line
• Outstanding laboratory etiquette and evidence of experience working with teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or equivalent advanced degree in bioinformatics/computational biology with a completed thesis or capstone project
• Experience with bulk RNAseq, WES/WGS, and ATAC-seq
• Strong grasp of MySQL and ability to handle biological databases
• Strong ability to communicate work clearly and liaison with other biologists and bioinformaticians

About The Department

University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department (VCS)

The Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department advances veterinary medicine through clinical education and mentoring, specialized care of companion animals, and generating new knowledge through clinical research.

Teaching — Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty members are responsible for a significant portion of the clinical training program for third- and fourth-year veterinary students, as well as small animal internship and residency programs. Faculty members also participate in the veterinary medicine and comparative and molecular biosciences graduate programs.

Research — Faculty and staff are actively involved in clinical and basic research, as well as specialized programs such as the Animal Cancer Care and Research program, Minnesota Urolith Center, and Surgical Research Laboratory. Research efforts are supported by the Clinical Investigation Center, which coordinates clinical trials.

Service and Outreach — Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty members provide collaborative clinical services in the Veterinary Medical Center using cutting-edge equipment and offers consultations and continuing education programs for practicing veterinarians in the community.

URL: https://vetmed.umn.edu/departments/veterinary-clinical-sciences/department-veterinary-clinical-sciences

Pay And Benefits

• Pay Range: $27.50 – $30.00/hr ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
• Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
• Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu. Applicants are asked to provide at least two and no more than four letters of reference from mentors or previous employers who can speak to the applicant's scientific background, mastery of molecular biological techniques, work ethic, communication skills, collegiality, independence, creativity, and innovation.