Bioinformatics Analyst

Position Summary

This position is responsible for preparation, maintenance, duration, and analysis of data from sequencing projects that generate and complement genomic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic data. Works independently to accomplish project goals and support improvements in tools and processes. Bioinformatics Analysts contribute to all phases of the genomic data analysis to maintain JCVI's scientific leadership through the application of bioinformatics and software engineering tools and techniques to solve JCVI's bioinformatics challenges.

Essential Functions

• Production annotation activities which include metagenomic assembly, binning, and annotation.

• Analysis and synthesis activities which include interpreting and analyzing biological information derived from annotations; performing tasks to reduce and consolidate output from software; preparing data and reports for utilization by other scientists. Examples may include:

• Data mining and analysis which includes using various internal resources, public databases and maintaining knowledge of appropriate scientific literature.
• Performing statistical analysis.
• Performing comparative analysis.

• Public resource development which includes integrating genomic data with external data. Examples may include:

• Collecting and curating primary data.
• Creating and populating database tables and/or websites.
• Integrating data into a database or a larger project.

• Synthesize analyses into publication ready text.
• Machine learning and explainable AI: Many of the above-mentioned datasets have far more features than classification. We utilize custom and off-the-shelf methods for feature selection and classification modeling to identify features of interest.

• Works under direct supervision to execute bioinformatics assignments to meet project goals. Must be able to work independently accordingly to experience, exercising analytical judgment and involving supervisory personnel where appropriate.

• The Bioinformatics Analyst assignments will be determined by management as a function of business requirements and personnel capabilities. The dimensions upon which an Analyst's established capabilities and professional growth will be judged are based on the ability to:

• Execute complex tasks effectively with limited supervision.
• Provide project leadership and mentoring beyond the scope of their own work, including leadership of small ad-hoc project teams.
• Define and estimate scope of tasks prior to implementation.
• Execute projects within estimated time frames.

• Develops and maintains an understanding of the scientific and biological domain supported by the team, as well as bioinformatics tools, software, and IT technologies used by the team.
• Collaborates closely and effectively with software, bioinformatics, scientific, information technology, and administrative personnel within and outside the Institute to accomplish goals. Is an effective member of annotation and other multi-disciplinary teams.
• Abides by environmental, health and safety policies and procedures. This includes reporting potential hazards and, when necessary, helping to implement solutions to ensure safety and respect for the environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out all functions required of Institute employees (i.e., completion of timesheets in an accurate and timely manner).

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in the Biological or Computational Sciences, plus experience working with computers in the field of biological sciences.
• Specific technical skills and experience pre-requisites will be established for each Bioinformatics Analyst position, and may include some combination of the following:
  • Bioinformatics tools and techniques
  • Python or R coding skills
  • Operating Systems: UNIX and UNIX variants, Windows, and/or Macintosh.
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology, as it relates to DNA sequences, sequencing technologies, and genomics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills and ability to meet schedules.
• Ability to collaborate across a multi-disciplinary team and work independently.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting is required.

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.