Bioinformaticist - Psychiatry

Scheduled Hours40

Position SummaryThe NeuroGenomics and Informatics (NGI) group (https://neurogenomics.wustl.edu/) at Washington University School of Medicine is recruiting a Human Statistical Genomicist to work in Dr. Cruchaga’s lab at the Washington University School of Medicine. The NGI holds whole exome and genome sequencing data from over 10,000 subjects that is locally generated or from public repositories. At the NGI we are constantly growing our dataset and generating new data-freezes; as such we are constantly improving and updating our pipelines to keep up with advances in the field.

We are seeking a talented and motivated employee to make important contributions to the study of the genetics of Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. This position will work directly with the head of the Genomics Unit at the NGI to organize, develop, implement, and manage genome sequencing data pipelines that will be used in downstream analysis and projects. They will join a team of computational and statistical researchers working in bioinformatics, statistical genomics, and genetics. The team comprises over 20 people dedicated to understanding the architecture of neurodegenerative diseases.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Revise and improve existing WES and WGS data processing and analysis pipelines, including QC, data organization, and back up.
• Consistently improve pipelines as datasets/requirements change and adapt to new computational environments.
• Provide advice on data processing and analysis to other team members.
• Assist other team members in receiving and sharing data from collaborators.
• Manage, teach, and supervise junior scientists in processing sequencing data.
• Participate in meetings within the group and with other institutions and investigators.
• Assist in manuscript, grant, and report writing sections such as materials and methods and results.
• Experience handling hundreds-to-thousands of samples at once from different batches and how to deal with potential derived artifacts, and expertise with BWA-MEM, GTAK.
• Experience with analysis tools such as PLINK, SKAT, SKAT-O, METAL, rare-METAL and other gene burden tools,
• Advanced knowledge of Unix-based operating systems.
• Proficient in computing skills and knowledge of R, Python, and/or similar scripting languages is essential.
• Experience using common software (Excel, R, ggplot, PowerPoint, etc.) for preparing and presenting reports, figures, and graphic data representations.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal Office Environment

Physical Effort

• Typically Sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office Equipment

Diversity is a core value at Washington University School of Medicine and in the Department of Psychiatry. We are committed to building and sustaining inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all students, staff, trainees, and faculty. We believe that building a diverse team enriches us individually and as a department by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. In order to achieve these objectives, candidates are expected to align with the school's mission of promoting inclusive excellence. They should be prepared to further this objective within Washington University and collaborate with diverse communities of students, faculty, staff, trainees, and patients. Visit our Websites to learn more about DEI initiatives in the Department of Psychiatry (https://psychiatry.wustl.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion-2/) and at WUSM (https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/).    

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Research (4 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience processing and analyzing whole exome and whole genome sequencing data, preferably in the area of human genetics.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree - Human And Statistical Genetics

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Bioinformatics Or Related Discipline (4 Years)

Skills:

Ability to Reason, Analytical Thinking, Big Data Processing, Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Tools, Biostatistics, Communication, Complex Data Analysis, Computational Biology, Data Management, Data Presentations, Discrete Mathematics, Genome Sequencing, Ggplot, Human Genomics, Machine Learning, Microsoft Office, Perl Programming, PLINK (Software), Probabilistic Modeling, Python (Programming Language), Statistics, System Administration

GradeR11

Salary Range$55,200.00 - $100,000.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity StatementWashington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.