Bioinformatics Research Assistant – WashU Neurosurgery & Genetics

Job Title: Bioinformatics Research Assistant – WashU Neurosurgery & Genetics

Job Number: 61913

Location: St. Louis, US

Job Description

Introduction

A Bioinformatics Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Yang E. Li (https://yelilab.wustl.edu) in the Department of Neurological Surgery and Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM).

Epigenomics is at the forefront of Precision Medicine. The epigenome plays a central role in regulating the functional output of the genome during development. Changes in the epigenome that result from exposure to stress, pathogenic conditions, and during aging can determine the patterns of gene expression and predispose an individual to diseases. Epigenome research promises to significantly improve our understanding of the factors that drive human development and disease. Our laboratory aims to develop innovative computational tools/methods and utilize the most advanced single-cell (epi)genomic techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of gene regulation in mammalian models and human diseases, particularly in brain tumors and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The incumbent will work on assignments of moderate scope and complexity. The incumbent will implement, run, customize, optimize, and benchmark data analysis pipelines as well as data visualization for single-cell assays such as single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell ATAC-seq, 10x multiome, Paired-Tag, and snm3C-seq for a wide variety of sample types spanning multiple disease states. The incumbent will perform integrative data analyses, and prepare results for oral presentation, scientific publications, and grant applications.

Uses skills as an experienced bioinformatics programmer with a broad understanding of computational algorithms; identifies and resolves a wide range of issues/software bugs. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Operates independently.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists research studies with the implementation of existing algorithms and computer software for analyzing omics-based data sets [high-throughput, massively parallel genomic/proteomic/clinical.]; data management and analysis solutions that assist in storage, investigation and dissemination of large data sets.
• Works with research team to develop new algorithms to support studies.
• Assists with reporting of methods, data and results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of modern biology and applicable field of research. Working knowledge in genomics, epigenetics, and biostatistics. Experience in analyzing next-generation sequencing data. Experience with single-cell genomics data like single-cell RNA-seq or single-cell ATAC-seq.
• Experience with popular deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics methods and data structures. Working knowledge in statistics and programming languages such as Python, Perl, R, or Go/Rust.
• Working knowledge of databases. Proficiency with relational databases and programming languages used in the development of web-based MIS systems is a plus (e.g. SQL Server, HTML, Javascript, PhP).
• Analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of computational biology.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large complex data sets, such as 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.

Application Deadline: 2023-12-31