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

About the Role

The Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (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.

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, experimental design, database development, mathematical modeling, and novel method development.
• Provide bioinformatics analysis for investigators and communicate analytical process and results.
• Design, develop, improve, modify, and operate data analysis pipelines.
• Manage projects and coordinate other efforts related to analysis and infrastructure as directed.
• 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.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of cancer genomics, human genetics, transcriptomics, or epigenetics.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
• Expertise in NGS data analysis.
• Capacity to execute proficient computational analyses and troubleshoot independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the PI and collaborators across diverse disciplines.
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Proven problem-solving skills and success collaborating with clinical and/or multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or data science.
• Analyzed data using some of 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.

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

• 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.

Pay

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).