This role will perform analyses using existing, modified or newly developed tools/methods. Set up tools and troubleshoot analyses using new or modified techniques. A Computational Researcher position is available in the Patel laboratory (Departments of Oncology and Developmental Neurobiology). The candidate will join a team focused on investigating the dynamics of intratumoral heterogeneity in rhabdomyosarcoma, a pediatric solid tumor. We have multiple projects focused on a variety of scientific questions in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, including efforts to map the molecular drivers of self-renewal in persistent progenitor cells, the role of lineage plasticity in fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma, and the testing of targeted combination therapy to prevent rhabdomyosarcoma recurrence. The Patel lab is a multidisciplinary team, and we use a combination of single-cell sequencing, patient-derived models of cancer, and computational biology to model tumor biology.
Experience in computer programming, with the R and/or python programming language is desirable. Candidates with experience in analysis of genomic or spatial data would be highly competitive, though no experience is required.
The candidate should have a strong background in bioinformatics or data science. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience (OR) entry-level Master’s degree in Computer Science or Bioinformatics, with a background in the biological sciences. Candidates must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be open to developing new and cutting-edge methods, and be highly motivated.
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform data analysis independently using established techniques/methods.
- Set up tools and troubleshoot analyses using new or modified techniques.
- Accurately record/document/share code.
- Prepare and report results/ data leading to posters, presentations, or publications.
- Performs other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- Bachelor’s in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience.
- No experience required with master’s degree.
Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Ability to analyze, debug, tune, optimize and port scientific application codes on HPC
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to analyze, categorize and translate scientific research requirements to functional and operational requirements.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate and elicit work meetings/sessions, ask the right questions, actively listen and take in new information.
- Excellent presentation skills for demo and user training, writing skills for user documentations.
- Self-motivated, independent and possess the ability to learn quickly.
- Teaching skills in both individual and group settings.
- Ability to deal with groups and conduct meetings.
- Ability to work in a fast paced and rapidly changing environment, must be flexible
- Ability to deal with confrontation and change in a professional and productive manner.
