Research Tech III - Statistical Genetics/Genetic Epidemiology

Key Skills

Java Programming, Python Programming, C++, C Programming, SQL, Cloud computing, Scala Programming, Machine learning techniques, Data science techniques, MATLAB Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow, R Programming

Job Description

This role participates in a planned research projects by performing research protocols and experimental procedures with minimal direction.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute is an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to conducting basic, clinical and translational research on conditions and diseases that affect children, and is part of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania research community.

The position is for a Technician II/III or post-doctoral scientist (depending on academic degrees and experience) who will be part of the Immunogenetics Laboratory in the Division of Genomic Diagnostics. This is expected to be around a 3 year position where the ideal candidate wants to peruse a further graduate degree or for a post-doctoral candidate, potentially transition into a staff scientist role.

The successful applicant will become part of a highly interactive team that uses statistical genetics, epidemiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to study the intricacies of immunogenetics and genetic variation. The broad questions that we aim to quantitatively characterizing the Major Histocompatibility Complex, better understanding genetics related to immunological disease and phenotypes, and patterns of evolutionary pressures.

The position will involve developing software solutions for proper quality control and robust design of pipelines for processing biomedical data used for research. The successful applicant will develop different analytical software solutions as well as working with database systems and web development. The computational work will be part of broader research goals and the individual will also contribute or being the first author on related scientific publications.

Job Summary (continued)

Applicants must have a B.S. (where masters and PhD candidates strongly preferred) from a computational or quantitative department, with preference to candidates with background in biostatistics, computer engineering, or computer science. Programming skills in python, R, or C/C++ and/or also UNIX/LINUX system expertise. Development of web and other software resources for public use. Experience with database technologies and database management systems. Experience and course work in statistical genetics or computational biology with experience in analysis of genome sequencing data, genome wide association studies (GWAS), and integrative analysis of genetics and other omics data. Familiarity with bioinformatics resources and software. Some understanding of immunology and pathology. This is a research focused position, so the applicant should be motivated to participate in writing parts of publications and grants. The applicant should be available for at least the next three years.

• Software development Coding (30%): Code and generally support code and applications on behalf of collaborative project and/or team. Master best practices for project-based code development, QC, and execution consist with the expectations of specific collaborations.
• Academic Output (30%): Regularly contribute to and write bioinformatics-focused manuscripts and publications.
• Collaboration (20%): participate in bioinformatics portion of scientific collaborations as the primary bioinformatics resource
• Data management and processing (10%): Provide efficient data management support. Actively participate in the development of application portfolio by developing knowledge of internally developed systems and open-source programs.
• Data Analysis (10%): Analyze data of high complexity by applying sound statistical and commonly accepted bioinformatics methods to -omics data primarily under the direction of the collaborative project team

Job Responsibilities

• Performs research procedures on experimental samples with minimal supervision
• Formulates and performs complex lab experiments and analyzes & reports the data
• Performs tasks that require knowledge of advanced techniques and equipment
• Performs advanced calculations and maintains appropriate log and lab notebooks
• Assists with planning specific research protocols and procedures
• Assists in development & troubleshooting of new techniques and ideas
• May be required to modify scientific methods and protocols (in conjunction with PI)
• Checks others results for completeness and accuracy
• May be responsible for training and mentoring new staff
• Assists in the preparing of grants journal articles, poster and oral presentations
• May perform routine and non-routine tests / experiments as needed

Preferred Education, Experience & Cert/Lic

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of laboratory experience