Bioinformatician

A position is available for a highly qualified and motivated Data Scientist/Bioinformatician with an interest in cancer biology in the laboratory of Dr. Benjamin Nacev at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. A successful applicant will have at a minimum a Master’s degree in computer science, data science, bioinformatics, information science, or a related degree with experience in analyzing and interpreting next generation sequencing data related to genomic, transcriptomic (e.g., single cell and bulk RNA-seq), and epigenetic datasets preferred. The candidate should have experience in data visualization and in establishing, developing, and implementing bioinformatic workflows in these domains. An excellent working knowledge of R and preferably also Python is preferred. The candidate will be required to work across multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively with ‘wet-lab’ colleagues to propose, develop, execute, and interpret methodologies for studying multi-omic datasets with an emphasis on epigenetic platforms such as ChIP-seq, CUT&TAG, and ATAC-seq, among others. Experience with comparative analysis and chromatin state annotations is preferred. There will also be an emphasis on establishing and facilitating quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy and integrity. The candidate will assist with preparation of grant applications and submissions of new and revised manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These activities will occur with a significant degree of independence and autonomy. The scientific goal of the Nacev Lab is to understand how cancer-associated genetic alterations in chromatin regulators promote cancer and to leverage this understanding to advance new therapeutic approaches. The lab’s focus is on cancer-associated histone mutations [Nacev et al, Nature, 2019] and genetic alterations observed in epigenetic regulators in sarcomas [Nacev*, Sanchez-Vega* et al., Nat Commun, 2022]. The Nacev lab employs diverse tools including genetic, chemical, and epigenomic approaches to model these events and study how the epigenome is dysregulated to alter transcriptional and developmental programs important for cancer growth and oncogenic behavior. The philosophy of the Nacev lab is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes creative thinking, innovation, and that embraces the joy and excitement of discovery. Our mission is to pursue science in the service of helping people with cancer to live longer and better lives. For more information on the Nacev lab, please visit http://nacevlab.com/

Applies scientific methodology to conceptualize, propose, and implement appropriate methodologies for statistical analyses. Maintains and updates centralized research awards database. Assists with grant preparations and clinical trial budgets. Develops and validates reporting data, validates data subsets of funding data, and facilitates quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy.

The candidate will be required to work across multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively with ‘wet-lab’ colleagues to propose, develop, execute, and interpret methodologies for studying multi-omic datasets with an emphasis on epigenetic platforms such as ChIP-seq, CUT&TAG, and ATAC-seq, among others. Experience with comparative analysis and chromatin state annotations is preferred. There will also be an emphasis on establishing and facilitating quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy and integrity. The candidate will assist with preparation of grant applications and submissions of new and revised manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These activities will occur with a significant degree of independence and autonomy.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.