Bioinformatics Engineer

Key Skills

Analytical and Problem solving, AWS, Bash scripting, Bioinformatics, Data Analysis, Github, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Linux Operating system, Microsoft Office suites, Python Programming, R Programming, Statistics, Writing

Job Description

The Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University is seeking a talented Bioinformatics Engineer to join the Bioinformatics Core (BIC) of the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC). As part of this groundbreaking national research consortium, you will help unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity. Under the supervision of co-PIs Dr. Euan Ashley and Dr. Matthew Wheeler, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of personalized exercise science and public health. Dr. Euan Ashley's research interests focus on the application of genomics and other omics data to improve clinical care, with an emphasis on cardiovascular disease and personalized medicine. Dr. Matthew Wheeler's research centers on the integration of large-scale molecular and clinical data to understand the genetic basis of cardiovascular diseases and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

By joining our team, your proficiency in applying advanced statistical methodologies, such as multivariate analysis, machine learning, and Bayesian approaches, will be essential for uncovering novel insights and driving innovation in our research efforts. Your strong statistical background and expertise in analyzing large biological datasets. experience in handling diverse omics data will contribute significantly to our understanding of complex biological systems and the development of personalized medicine. You will also contribute to the analysis, execution, and development of pipelines and bioinformatic tools for various omics data generated within MoTrPAC. This innovative project integrates large volumes of clinical and densely time-sampled molecular data, pushing the boundaries of biomedical data analytics. Our portal (https://motrpac-data.org) will push the boundaries of biomedical data analytics to provide insight into the basic and translational science of exercise. Working alongside our multidisciplinary team, you will be at the forefront of understanding how physical activity preserves and improves health, ultimately making a lasting impact on human well-being.

Responsibilities:

As a Bioinformatics Engineer II, you will contribute to the analysis, execution, and development of pipelines and bioinformatic tools for various omics data generated within the MoTrPAC project. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to analyze and interpret large-scale multi-omics data.
• Develop and implement innovative bioinformatics tools and methods to further our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of physical activity.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings with the team and the larger scientific community.

Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, you should possess an advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in a field such as statistics, biomedical informatics, engineering, or computer science along with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience. They should have expertise in the analysis, execution, and development of pipelines and bioinformatic tools for various omics data and be proficient in programming languages like Python and/or R, as well as Linux bash scripting. Familiarity with pipeline languages, container systems, code management platforms, and systems biology approaches for data integration is also essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in large-scale data analysis, biological domain knowledge, bioinformatics, and software development team-based projects. Additionally, they should be willing to work in a highly collaborative environment, be able to adapt quickly, possess strong communication skills, and have the capacity to work independently.

Why Join Us?

• Work on a highly exciting and innovative multi-omics project with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of physical activity and health.
• Be part of a world-class research team at Stanford University, led by Dr. Euan Ashley, a pioneer in personalized medicine.
• Contribute to groundbreaking research with a significant impact on public health and the prevention of diseases.
• Enjoy a collaborative and stimulating work environment at one of the top universities in the world.

If you are a passionate and dedicated professional with the required qualifications and a strong interest in advancing scientific research, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in unraveling the mysteries of physical activity and making a lasting impact on human health. A complete application will include a cover letter.

Duties include:

• Prioritize and extract data from a variety of sources such as notes, survey results, medical reports, and laboratory data, and maintain its accuracy and completeness.
• Determine additional data collection and reporting requirements.
• Design and customize reports based upon data in the database. Oversee and monitor regulatory compliance for utilization of the data.
• Use system reports and analyses to identify potentially problematic data, make corrections, and eliminate root cause for data problems or justify solutions to be implemented by others.
• Create complex charts and databases, perform statistical analyses, and develop graphs and tables for publication and presentation.
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for statistics or surveys.
• Test prototype software and participate in approval and release process for new software.
• Provide documentation based on audit and reporting criteria to investigators and research staff.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate degree that emphasizes statistics, biomedical informatics, engineering, and computer science are preferred.
• Domain expertise in analysis and running pipelines and bioinformatic tools for at least one of the following ‘omes: genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, ATAC-seq, proteomics.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R and Linux bash scripting.
• Experience with pipeline languages such as WDL, snakemake, and/or nextflow.
• Proven track record of data and infrastructure management in an HPC (High-Performance Computing) cluster or cloud computing like Google Cloud Platform or AWS.
• Experience with container systems such as setting up virtual machines and docker instances.
• Experience and knowledge of code management such as GitHub.
• Experience in systems biology approaches for data integration is a plus.
• Experience in developing tools and statistical methods for large-scale data analysis is a plus.
• Biological domain knowledge (exercise science is a plus).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics or engineering.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Substantial experience with MS Office and analytical programs.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting in place at computer for long periods of time with extensive keyboarding/dexterity.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely writing by hand.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some work may be performed in a laboratory or field setting.

WORKING STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.

The expected pay range for this position is $84,000 to $126,000 per annum/hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.