Bioinformaticist - McDonnell Genome Institute

Position Summary
We are assembling a team of Computational Biologists to answer important questions about neurodegeneration, organelle biology, and context-dependent gene function. The team will mine data generated by the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) as well as publicly available datasets to generate mechanistic insights into the biology of disease to find new therapeutic candidates.
This is a joint position shared between the MGI (https://genome.wustl.edu/), and the Mitra (http://genetics.wustl.edu/rmlab/) and Milbrandt labs (https://milbrandtlab.wustl.edu/). We seek a bioinformatician to design and conduct the aforementioned project. The successful applicant will have substantial Computational Biology experience, and sharp attention to detail is a must. This position offers superb opportunities for continued scientific learning and continued career development including authorship.
The successful applicant will hold the title of Bioinformaticist. The MGI, Mitra, and Milbrandt Labs provide a collaborative, highly productive, well-funded and supportive scientific work environment. Our location is in the recently renovated space in Couch Biomedical Research Building and Fort Neuroscience Research Building. While candidates that can work in person are preferred, we may consider exceptional candidates for remote work (Continental US only).

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and perform analysis of in house and public datasets to answer questions about neurodegeneration, organelle biology, and context-dependent gene function.
• Pursue independent research projects, including developing hypotheses that can be experimentally tested and work with our teams to design such experiments.
• Investigate new computational methods when needed to answer novel biological questions.
• Produce well documented code and electronic notebooks
• Research and recommend new algorithms and statistical approaches.
• Train other researchers on the everyday use of analysis software and research databases.
• Assist with reporting of methods, data, and results. Candidate will periodically present work at group meetings.

Applicant Special Instructions

This position is 100% computational.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Doctor of Philosophy in computer science or related field.
• Experience with machine learning/AI methods.
• Dedicated, highly motivated individual with attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of computational biology, probabilistic models, statistics, machine learning, and discrete mathematics.
• Ability to adapt and change as new computational techniques emerge.
• Ability to maintain complete, detailed, well-organized Jupyter notebooks.
• Expertise in standard bioinformatics tools.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Java), in a UNIX/Linux and/or Windows environment and have a working knowledge of high-performance compute clusters.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related field plus four years of experience; OR master’s degree in computer science, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related field plus two years of experience; OR combined education and experience of nine years.

Grade
R11

Salary Range
$54,100.00 - $98,100.00 / 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 [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All 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.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• 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 Statement
Washington 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 Statement
Washington 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.