The bioinformatics analyst at the Computational Biology Core within the Institute for Systems Genomics provides essential consulting, data analysis, and data interpretation services to advance research efforts. This role involves collaborating with faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and research staff on a wide array of biological topics, including high-throughput sequencing, experimental design, analytic approaches, and workflow management. The analyst plays a key role in providing background on current techniques, managing multiple overlapping data analysis projects, providing general HPC user support, and providing regular workshop based training to the broader community. The analyst will join a small team that supports research at all UConn campuses - this position will mainly focus on biomedical applications at the UConn Health campus (Farmington, CT). The position will be split between research support (60%) and training (40%).
The incumbent will have the opportunity to:
Engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations and gain experience integrating multiple data types with clinical outcomes and other -omics data.
Contribute to multiple publications and advance research at the forefront of computational biology.
Work closely with the Institute for Systems Genomics ecosystem, including its cutting edge sequencing core, the Center for Genome Innovation.
This Bioinformatics Analyst position will be hired at either the Facility Scientist II or Facility Scientist III classification dependent upon the incumbent’s experience, skills, abilities, and training as determined by the University. The Facility Scientist II serves as a first-working-level technician, who will receive a general outline of duties and are free to plan and arrange their own work within a wide range of practices and procedures. Their work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established objectives and they are expected to perform highly specialized tasks and laboratory techniques of moderate difficulty. The Facility Scientist III is an advanced level technician who will work closely with the PI on the research plan and report back by means of occasional conferences to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice. The Facilities Scientist III participates in the overall research effort, tests and implements new methods, recommends changes in experimental design and protocols, and resolves new, unusual, or difficult problems in consultation with the PI.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform quality control and end-to-end analysis of large sequence datasets from diverse experimental designs.
Consult with researchers to refine computational research questions, develop sound experimental designs, and implement bioinformatics tools and strategies.
Develop and maintain computational workflows for processing, analyzing, and visualizing high-throughput sequencing data.
Provide figures and written sections describing methods and results for publications, presentations, and grant applications.
Maintain and enhance software in a bioinformatics setting via a shared HPC resource, including software installation and general user support.
Develop application specific bioinformatic tutorials and lead workshop style training at regular intervals.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
For Facility Scientist II level: MS degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics/genetics (or related area of study) and 2 years of post-degree relevant work experience.
For Facility Scientist III level: either a MS degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics/genetics (or related area of study) and 8 or more years of post-degree relevant work experience or a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics/genetics (or related area of study) with up to 1 year of post-degree relevant work experience.
Experience with computational analysis of complex sequence-based datasets, including several of the following: whole exome sequencing, RNA-seq, single-cell expression, variant detection, methyl-seq, and ATAC-seq.
Demonstrated fluency in bash scripting, R, and Python and/or Perl.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Strong organizational skills, with experience managing and prioritizing multiple competing tasks.
Familiarity with workflow management systems (Nextflow, Snakemake, etc).
Experience with bioinformatics training, including curriculum development and instruction.
Fluency with Github.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 8, 2024.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.