Bioinformatics Analyst

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID341885

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyResearch-Researchers

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code9742R5

Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin

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The Research Informatics Solutions (RIS) group within the University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) is hiring one full-time Bioinformatics Analyst to support basic biomedical and applied clinical genetic research for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (LM&P) at the University of Minnesota. The analyst in this position will conduct cutting-edge bioinformatics analyses in close collaboration with a diverse set of biomedical labs within the LM&P department, as well as design and implement clinical genomic analysis pipelines for the Molecular Diagnostic Lab. Successful candidates will join the six-person RIS-LM&P group, a subset of the thirteen-person RIS group at MSI.We work with researchers and clinicians in LM&P on a broad variety of projects that will impact human health, including cancer, immunology, neurology, and epidemiology. A rapidly growing portion of these projects involves single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, so there is ample opportunity for our group to break new ground by exploring novel methods and tools.

MSI and LM&P have a strong commitment to the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity. We aim to hire high-potential people with varying identities and backgrounds. An analyst in this position must have excellent communication skills, strong analytical, computational, and life sciences training or experience, and be comfortable working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team on diverse projects.As part of an interdisciplinary team, successful candidates will have the responsibilities to:

• Serve as a bioinformatics analyst and developer for research and clinical projects for LM&P.
• Consult with LM&P researchers on experimental design and planning.
• Design and implement appropriate informatics workflows.
• Identify and integrate new, cutting-edge molecular technologies and analysis methods as they become useful for research and/or clinical purposes (e.g., single-cell expression profiling, long-read sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, etc.)
• Appropriately document and present methods and results in both internal and external reports, publications, and presentations.The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies with demonstrated practical experience in developing and carrying out analytical strategies in the context of NGS applications (e.g. RNA-seq, DNA SNP and structural variant detection, de novo sequence assembly, etc.).
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  
  
  
  Required Qualifications
  • Doctorate in the life sciences, computer science or engineering. Candidates must have significant bioinformatics experience.
  • 3+ years of research experience in genomics, genetics, molecular biology or computational biology.
  • Hands-on experience in developing and carrying out data analytical strategies and pipelines for analyzing datasets from high-throughput platforms such as next generation sequencing.
  • Experience/general proficiency with UNIX shell environment, a programming language (ideally R or python), plus currently used tools (e.g. BWA, HISAT2, GATK, freebayes, Cell Ranger, Seurat, etc.).
  • Must be able to understand and translate life scientist researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements.
  • Must be able to function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve the project's goals and the group's mission.
  • Critical and independent thinking.
  • Excellent oral and written English communication and interpersonal skills.Preferred Qualifications
    • Research background in human or mammalian genetics is strongly preferred.
    • Image analysis skills, particularly image segmentation, are highly desirable.
    • Advanced statistical and data modeling skills.
      
      About the Department
      
      
      
      
      
      The Research Informatics Solutions (RIS) group at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) was formed in 2011, leveraging MSI's rich computational environment to foster innovative bioinformatics collaboration with researchers across the University and Minnesota. The RIS-LM&P informatics team has partnered with LM&P to support research and diagnostics since 2013.
      
      The Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) is a core research facility of the University of Minnesota (U of M), part of Research Computing within the Office of the Vice President for Research. MSI provides advanced research computing infrastructure and expertise to the University's research and scholarly community and the State of Minnesota in order to advance and accelerate research and foster innovation and discoveries through advanced computing technologies, scientific computing and informatics, application development, and services. The Institute currently supports over 900 different groups with over 4500 active users spanning the sciences, engineering, life sciences, medicine, and social sciences.The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options at the University of Minnesota include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.This MSI position has responsibilities that will require on-site work at least 50% of the time, with options for management-approved flexible work arrangements. Office space for this staff position is located in Walter Library on the Twin Cities, East Bank Campus.
      
      Benefits
      
      
      
      
      
      Working at the UniversityAt the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
      • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
      • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
      • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
      • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
      • University HSA contributions
      • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
      • Employee wellbeing program
      • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
      • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
      • Financial counseling services
      • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
        
        How To Apply
        
        
        
        
        
        Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.This job opening will remain active until all positions are filled.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
        
        Diversity
        
        
        
        
        
        The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
        
        Employment Requirements
        
        
        
        
        
        Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
        
        Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.
        
        About the U of M
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
        
        

Keywords: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis , Bioinformatics Analyst, Professions , Minneapolis, Minnesota