Bioinformaticist - Neurology

Position Summary
Assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experiment design, data analysis, and documentation of experiment results. The Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, has an opening for a staff data scientist to join the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center (NGI).
The successful candidate will be involved in projects to perform big-data research, bundling genetics, multi-omics, biomarker, clinical, and histopathological data, to harness the full range of biologically relevant data to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. There is a particular emphasis on addressing important questions regarding sex dimorphisms, ancestry, and health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease. Another primary focus is the cross-modal integration of Alzheimer’s disease genomics with brain-imaging derived phenotypes to elucidate how genetics contributes to disease heterogeneity. Overall, this research will contribute importantly to the discovery of novel risk genes, steer basic research and drug development, and advance personalized medicine. 

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Designs, develops, and implements:

• Algorithms and computer software for omics-based data sets [high-throughput, massively parallel genomic/proteomic/clinical.]
• Data management and analysis solutions that aid in the storage, investigation, and dissemination of large data sets.
• Independent research projects, including design of research protocols and development of procedures for the collection, verification, and management of data.
• Performs complex systems analysis of data and writes interpretative reports.
• Evaluates commercial and academic bioinformatics software.
• Trains other researchers on the everyday use of analysis software and research databases.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting of methods, data, and results.
• Solves practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or test subjects; suggests technical or procedural improvements in testing methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Doctor of Philosophy in computer science or related field.
• Experience using computing clusters (batch processing), cloud computing services, and containerization. 
• Experience with population genetics, genomics, and (whole genome) sequencing data, as well as related analytical approaches (Plink, GWAS, gene-burden, QTL colocalization, mendelian randomization, etc.). 
• Experience with analysis of multi-omics data and cross-modal integration with genetics and imaging data. 
• Analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of computational biology, probabilistic models, statistics, machine learning, and discrete mathematics.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large complex data sets, such as genome sequences, microarray gene expression studies, human genetic studies, and model organism studies, and to communicate data in a clear, concise manner.
• Expertise in standard bioinformatics tools.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Java), in a UNIX/Linux and/or Windows environment.

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.