Bioinformatician, Research Associate STS

Description

Date: October 2024

Title: Bioinformatician, Research Associate STS

Department: Neurosciences

School: Medicine

Location: School of Medicine, Robbins Building, 7th-floor

Supervisor Name and Title: Ron Yu, Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The objective of the position is to provide service, training, and help in the study of computational, genomic, cellular, and molecular bases of biological function of the nervous system. The Bioinformatician, Research Associate STS will be responsible for taking on highly interdisciplinary projects and will apply state-of-the-art open-source software for basic and advanced analysis of multiple --omics data. The focus will be on single-cell genomics, RNA/protein interactions, RNA translation, spatial ---omics, and chromatin organization. The Bioinformatician, Research Associate will participate in all aspects of experimental design, quality assurance, data analyses, management, and reporting for these research projects. This position functions under minimal supervision. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Manage and analyze --omics data that include but are not limited to RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell multiomics, CUT&TAG, CLIP-seq, ribosome profiling, and spatially resolved gene/protein profiling. In consultation with the investigator(s) and collaborators, design bioinformatics projects, as well as their hypotheses and analytical needs. Design, manage, and analyze the bioinformatic components of projects and experiments with a high degree of independence.  Provide interpretation of various statistical and spatial/mapping outputs, develop predictions, and make recommendations on study design.  (45%)

2. Interpret results by applying and/or developing appropriate statistical and/or machine learning analysis for these data. Oversee data analytics and statistical analysis for research projects; provide input and recommendations to PI regarding significant development. Lead and perform data analyses including but not limited to survival, regression, univariate, multivariate, machine learning, and related analyses. Determine the appropriate computational requirements for the given research project and help design and execute the analysis pipeline. May perform required programming and analysis for multiple research studies as assigned. (15%)

3. Prepare result summaries. Generate analysis reports including the results and documentation of the pipeline. Apply appropriate statistical methods and/or collaborate with the team to ensure statistical rigor of results. (5%)

4. Develop and implement tools and workflows to process, analyze, and integrate different high-throughput data. Assist the PI in and independently develop new techniques and protocols. (5%)

5. Maintain pipeline. Keep track of current methods for molecular datasets and update pipelines as necessary with version tracking. Document and implement version control for all pipelines. Monitoring of public datasets and databases. Testing novel analysis pipelines and methods. Understand and maintain current knowledge of related databases and analysis tools.  (5%)

6. Design, code, test, debug, modify, and document moderately complex systems requiring knowledge of databases, processes, and scripts. (5%)

7. Provide supervision, technical guidance, and training of staff applying bioinformatics and statistical approaches. Supervise lab members in the design, writing, debugging, testing, and documenting of statistical programs using standard statistical software packages.  (10%)

8. Provide data visualization for academic publications and research presentations. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings, scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts and contribute data analysis and interpretation for grant proposals. Independently author research projects. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Interacting with Utech to ensure smooth operation with HpC. (3%)

1. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent interactions with the principal investigator to provide the status of ongoing projects and summary of completed tasks. Regular interactions with members of the department to help with data analysis support. Contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular contact with collaborators in other university departments and centers. Occasional contact with the CWRU [U]Tech for computing support.  Occasional contact with Research Administration, IRB, and Sponsored Projects Accounting.  

External: Regular contact with researchers outside of CWRU to discuss and review experimental results. 

Student: Occasional interactions with undergraduate/graduate students working in the lab or in the lab of collaborators.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May provide supervision and technical guidance while training technical and/or laboratory staff.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in bioinformatics in biomedical research in a University, nonprofit research organization, industry, or similar setting.

Education: BS or MSC with equivalent specialized technical skills in Genetics, Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of common concepts and procedures in computer science, statistics, and bioinformatics. 

2. A strong background and understanding of molecular and cellular processes, gene expression, and general biology. Background in neuroscience is desirable. 

3. Strong programming skills required. Experience with R, Python, and other programming languages. 

4. Skills in quality control/quality assurance in laboratory and multidisciplinary programs in bioinformatics

5. Demonstrated skills in analytics, integration, and visualization 

6. Knowledge in biostatistics 

7. Demonstrated expertise working with highly complex data, performing complex analytic tasks, and formulating findings and recommendations from the analysis. 

8. Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.

9. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, resourceful, and dependable.

10. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 

11. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

12. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical, and educational backgrounds within the department, school, and university. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and other programmers. 

13. Effective problem-solving skills, excellent analytical skills, sound judgment, and good decision-making.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in an office area in the Department of Neurosciences that hosts various experimental scientists. No travel outside the Cleveland area is required. 

Work will be done in a dry lab area with no expected exposures to hazards.

Overtime or weekend hours may be needed to fulfill projects as needed.

Physical requirements include working at a computer and the use of a mouse and keyboard.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in bioinformatics in biomedical research in a University, nonprofit research organization, industry, or similar setting.

Education: BS or MSC with equivalent specialized technical skills in Genetics, Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics.

Case Western Reserve provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.