Bioinformatician

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Metabolomics core facility seeks a bioinformatician/data scientist with a strong background in biological sciences to support big data analyses using statistical and bioinformatics approaches, prediction model-building, and custom software development capabilities for our federally funded biomedical research projects. The successful candidate holds a Master’s degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, computer science, or closely related discipline. The successful candidate also brings a sincere desire to learn, adapt to new challenges, and develop novel approaches to harmonizing multiple large datasets used in medical device research and development. This position requires the incumbent have the ability to work independently or as part of a multi- disciplinary team as well as a solid programming and analytical skill set, which includes competencies in R, Python, and database applications. Previous experience with analysis of multi-omics data including metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics, and/or transcriptomics is highly desirable.

The Bioinformatics Scientist will work in a highly collaborative environment on experimental design of metabolomics studies and concomitant data analysis. This request is to replace personnel on an existing position within the shared resource that is fully budgeted within the MSR budget for FY 25 and FY 26. Specifically, the candidate will provide bioinformatics support for the analytical design, analysis and interpretation for an array of metabolomics studies including molecular profiling, multiple reaction monitoring based targeted quantitation. The candidate will also assist in developing pipeline for metabolic model development, modelling, stoichiometric analysis of metabolic flux. Successful candidate will design experiments in collaboration with wet-lab scientists and integrate experimental data including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics (including stable isotope based in vitro and in vivo metabolomics) and mass spectrometry-based profiling. MSR is a highly productive and revenue generating shared resource; as such this position is critical for maintaining productivity levels and coping with the workload.

The candidate will lead big data analysis capabilities for multiple federally funded projects that are supported by the metabolomics shared resource. As explained in the justification document, based on addition of new instruments including Bruker timsTOF, 7500 QTrap mass spectrometer, NMR and Seahorse XF96 cellular analyzer and the urgent and critical need to strengthen the informatics and data analysis capabilities of the core facility, we have expanded and added new set of duties to the revised job description. Taken together, these additions warrant a revision of an obsolete pay scale to make us minimally competitive for hiring qualified and competent candidates.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and maintain an integrated, R/Python-based analytical pipelines based around instrument manufacturers’ software and/or from publicly available resources, and/or de novo, for processing raw data (peak alignment, background subtraction, feature extraction, selection of statistically significant features);

• Conduct and develop detailed reports on advanced and innovative multi-omics data analyses to support biomarker discovery, confirmation, and validation;

• Use of pathway databases such as METLIN Gen2 and KEGG pathway and compound to test hypotheses, identify features of interest, and build molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypes under investigation;

• Process raw LC-MS and GC-MS data using a well-defined analytical platform and deliver this in a format ready for further statistical analysis either by the collaborator or by the Metabolomics Core as appropriate.

• Perform advanced bioinformatic and statistical analyses of metabolomics datasets based on client’s defined goals and presentation needs.

• Follow-up with core facility clients, including graphical presentation refinement, additional analyses, and input into future experiment design.

• Develop and maintain an integrated, user-friendly analytical pipeline based around instrument manufacturers’ software and/or from publicly available resources, and/or de novo, for processing raw data (peak alignment, background subtraction, feature extraction, selection of statistically significant features).

• Keep track of key developments in the areas pertinent to this work and implement relevant knowledge/technologies for the advancement of the platform.

• Operate and assist with all mass spectrometry related operations including but not limited to sample preparation and data acquisition as needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• MS from an accredited program in bioinformatics, biostatistics, or another closely related field

• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience

• Experience with analyzing multi-dimensional omics data

• Solid programming skills (e.g. Java, C++, perl)

• Experience with R/BioConductor

• Demonstrated track-record of supporting data science research

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in bioinformatics, mathematics, biostatistics, or computational biology or related field

• Implement machine learning and AI tools for the analysis and integration of big data

• Experience working with multi-omics data analysis, interpretation and reporting

Work Interactions

The mission of MSR is to accelerate discovery by giving investigators access to cutting edge technologies in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. By using advanced mass spectrometry-based methodologies and well-established technologies, we are devoted to help researchers to answer questions in basic, translational and clinical biomedical research.  The high speed, sensitivity, and accuracy of our instruments allow accurate qualitative and quantitative measurement of proteins/peptides. The most common experiments include: 1) hypothesis-driven discovery metabolomic studies of biological systems for the identification of small molecule metabolites as well as their quantification by incorporating various strategies), and 2) targeted metabolomics by multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS); 3) Flux metabolomics for mechanistic understanding of metabolic alterations in health and disease. The core facility serves 45 investigators with a rich extramural funding portfolio (> $10 M). The metabolomics shared resource offers metabolomics services as a fee-for service arrangement which brings in a revenue of more than $1,000,000/year to GUMC.  This position will be supported by the Metabolomics shared resource (100% effort) and has been incorporated in financial plan.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University.  Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Pay Range:

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

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EEO Statement:

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.