Bioinformatics Programmer

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Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a Genomics Institute staff position.
Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 02-06-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Originally founded in 1997, the Baskin School of Engineering is the first professional school at UC Santa Cruz. Over the past 25 years, Baskin Engineering (BE) has become a unique 21st century school of engineering, applied science and technology, characterized by evolutionary growth fueled by on-going research opportunities that open new areas of intellectual inquiry. Baskin Engineering has grown to include six academic departments, a variety of research centers and institutes, and has ambitious plans for further programmatic growth. The focus of Baskin Engineering educational programming is to instill strong basic knowledge for sound practice in ethical engineering for the well-being of society, and its diverse curricula facilitate creative thinking and preparing students for productive and rewarding careers. Baskin Engineering is focused on building collaborative connections and expanding instruction and research activities for faculty and students in Santa Cruz and at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley campus in Santa Clara.

The Genomics Institute (GI), an Organized Research Unit located within the Baskin School of Engineering, with faculty from several divisions on campus, leads UC Santa Cruz's efforts to unlock the world's genomic data and accelerate breakthroughs in health and evolutionary biology. With the theme of Genomics for Everybody, GI platforms, technologies, and researchers unite global communities to create and deploy data-driven, life-saving treatments and innovative environmental and conservation efforts, while addressing the most fundamental societal and policy questions. The Genomics Institute is committed to broadening participation in this endeavor, and bringing the benefits of genomics to the widest range of world populations and ecosystems.

The Genomics Institute operating budget is currently $31M per year, comprising $26M in sponsored funds from federal, state and private sources and $4.7M in gifts and institutional funding, and is on a trajectory of increasing activity, partnerships and extramural funding.

More information about the Genomics Institute can be found at: https://genomics.ucsc.edu/
More information about Baskin Engineering can be found at: https://engineering.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, the candidate will be working on the software development team to import Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data into the Xena database. The candidate will update and expand the existing automated GDC data import pipeline, import all open-access GDC data, perform data quality assurance testing, and document all code changes. The candidate will be an integral part of the development team and will be responsible for completing weekly programming goals.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $40.71/hour.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Contract appointment 

Job End Date: 09/30/2024, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 09403 (BIOINFORMATICS PROGR 1)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Develop and Enhance GDC Data Import Pipeline

• Under direct supervision, develop new features and fix errors in the GDC data import pipeline. Test and document contributions.

35% - Import GDC Open-Access Data

• Import all GDC open-access data into the Xena database on the AWS cloud.

15% - Data Quality Assurance

• Perform quality assurance testing of the imported GDC data using a combination of automated and manual testing.

10% - Meeting and Presentations

• Weekly meeting with supervisor and the Xena team. Present work progress and results. Prepare presentations as needed. Write up project reports as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Knowledge of UCSC Xena
• Basic project management skills.
• Self motivated, able to learn quickly and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Interpersonal skills in order to work with both technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience with UCSC Xena
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics methods and data structures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic knowledge of application concepts.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to work remotely from a home office and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.