We are hiring a full-time Bioinformatics Analyst to support research for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) at the University of Minnesota. The analyst in this position will conduct cutting-edge bioinformatics analyses in close collaboration with a diverse set of labs within the DMI department. The successful candidate will be part of a growing bioinformatics team within the department.
The candidate will work with researchers in DMI on a variety of basic and translational research projects investigating topics including pathogen detection, microbial comparative genomics, the emergence of drug resistance, and viral immunology. Many of these grant-funded research projects involve novel pathogens (fungal, bacterial, and viral), de novo genome assembly, pangenome analyses, and single-cell transcriptomics, so there is ample opportunity for the analyst to break new ground by exploring novel methods and tools.

The analyst in this position must have excellent communication skills, strong analytical, computational, and life sciences training or experience, and be comfortable working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team on diverse projects.

As part of an interdisciplinary team, successful candidates will have the responsibility to:

• 80%: Serve as a bioinformatics analyst and developer for research projects for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI), designing and implementing appropriate informatics workflows.
• 5%: Consult with department researchers on advanced experimental design and planning.
• 5%: Identify and integrate new, cutting-edge molecular technologies and analysis
  methods as they become useful for research purposes (e.g., de novo genome assembly, pangenomes and comparative genomics, single cell/nucleus RNA-seq/ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, etc.). Leverage current computational biology benchmarks to build compelling, data-driven business cases for high-impact capital investments and process improvements.
• 10%: Spearhead the preparation and presentation of research methods across
  internal reports, literature reviews, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and professional presentations. Facilitate targeted seminars and workshops for departmental researchers and leaders on bioinformatics applications.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies with demonstrated practical experience in developing and carrying out analytical strategies in the context of NGS applications of critical importance to microbiology and immunology research (e.g. variant calling, genome assembly and annotation, metagenomics, bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing, allele-specific expression analysis, bulk and single-cell ATAC-seq, viral discovery, etc.). The candidate will develop, maintain, organize data structures for samples and data backups. While candidates ideally will have experience in more than one type of bioinformatics analysis, candidates are not expected to have experience in all types of analyses and learning new analysis techniques is part of the role.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in the life sciences, computer science or engineering, or related field. Candidates must have significant bioinformatics experience.
• 3+ years of research experience in genomics, genetics, molecular biology or computational biology.
• Hands-on experience in developing and carrying out data analytical strategies and pipelines for analyzing datasets from high-throughput platforms such as next generation sequencing.
• Proficiency with the Linux shell environment, a programming language (R and/or python), plus currently used tools (e.g. BWA, HISAT2, GATK, Seurat, etc.).
• Must be able to understand and translate life scientist researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements.
• Must be able to function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve the project's goals and the group's mission.
• Ability to critically and independently think
• Excellent oral and written English communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research background in microbiology and/or immunology is highly preferred.
• Significant experience with one or more of the following types of analysis is highly preferred: bulk and single cell transcriptomics, variant calling, genome assembly/annotation and epigenomics.
• Use of reproducible research methods and software version control (e.g. git/GitHub).
• Advanced statistical, data modeling and machine learning skills.
• Experience using high performance computing (HPC) environments and job scheduling.

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) is a basic science department in the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Medicine. Our faculty focus on the study of microorganism and host interactions and engage in translational research to build and evaluate preclinical and clinical applications of research discoveries aimed at mitigating disease. The department seeks to build on our rich history as we pursue transformational research. DMI faculty have a strong focus on immunology, virology, bacteriology, and fungal biology and they include research and training activities encompassing studies of microbial physiology and genetics, the immune response to infection based around a central theme of interrogating the systems biology of infection, immunity, and diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $78,000 to $84,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].