Position Title:
Research Scientist II
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or closely related area
Proficient in Unix, Bash, R, and Python
Experience with genome assembly and annotation, variant calling, and read mapping for expression and methylation quantification
Experience with high performance computing clusters and the SLURM environment
Experience developing bioinformatic tools
Job Description:
The Hufford Lab in the Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Department at Iowa State University is seeking a bioinformatician to contribute to various research projects centered on the genomics of maize and its wild relatives. The successful candidate will assist with genome assembly and annotation projects, comparative genomic analysis, and the development of bioinformatic tools.
This position is funded by the “Circular Economy that Reimagines Corn Agriculture (CERCA)” project and the USDA-ARS Maize Genetics and Genomics Database (MaizeGDB). The bioinformatician will collaborate closely with scientists in the Hufford Lab, the CERCA network of 30 research groups, and MaizeGDB, providing computational support for a range of projects.
An exciting aspect of this role is the opportunity to work on a diverse array of projects, mentor graduate students, and collaborate with researchers from 30 different labs and various groups across campus. The position is part of a significant $25M project, fostering extensive collaboration. Candidates will have the chance to attend conferences to present their work and share new methods, enhancing their professional development.
Joining the Hufford Lab offers unparalleled professional growth opportunities. You’ll engage in multidisciplinary teamwork, stay at the forefront of bioinformatic techniques, and gain exposure through presentations at high-profile conferences. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to mentor emerging scientists, furthering your leadership skills and expanding your professional network.
This is a term position with opportunity for renewal.
Position will be open until filled. First consideration will be for candidates applying on or before July 25th.
Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
August 4, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS808
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter