Bioinformatician I

Job Description

Job Description

Great Hill Solutions, LLC  is part of the Seneca Nation Group (SNG) portfolio of companies . SNG  is Seneca Holdings' federal government contracting business that meets mission-critical needs of federal civilian, defense, and intelligence community customers. Our portfolio comprises multiple subsidiaries that participate in the Small Business Administration 8(a) program. To learn more about SNG, visit the website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Our team of talented individuals is what makes us successful. To support our team, we provide a balanced mix of benefits and programs. Your total rewards package includes competitive pay, benefits, and perks, flexible work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and performance and recognition programs. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability, voluntary benefit programs (critical illness, hospital, and accident), health savings and flexible spending accounts, and retirement 401K plan. One of our fundamental principles is to offer competitive health and welfare benefits to our team members, providing coverage and care for you and your family. Full-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefits and paid leave programs. We pride ourselves on our collaborative work environment and culture, which embraces our mission of providing financial and non-financial benefits back to the members of the Seneca Nation.

Great Hill Solutions is seeking a Bioinformatician I to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch (EDLB).

The Bioinformatician I will provide bioinformatics and database management support for national foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak investigations through the CDC's PulseNet program. This position supports the analysis, curation, management, and reporting of genomic data used to detect, investigate, and control outbreaks of enteric bacterial pathogens throughout the United States and internationally.

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, epidemiologists, public health laboratories, and federal partners to support genomic surveillance efforts, enhance data modernization initiatives, improve bioinformatics workflows, and contribute to outbreak response activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Genomic Data Analysis

• Perform routine analysis and curation of DNA fingerprinting and whole genome sequencing data generated through PulseNet and partner public health laboratories.
• Conduct quality review, data validation, curation, and cluster analyses to support detection and investigation of enteric disease outbreaks.
• Support quality control, assembly, annotation, and analysis of bacterial genomic sequence data.
• Assist in identifying trends, relationships, and findings from genomic surveillance data.

Database Management

• Maintain and support data systems used to track bacterial isolates and genomic characterization results.
• Manage genomic sequence files, metadata, and associated databases.
• Assist with submission of genomic sequence data to NCBI and other designated repositories.
• Ensure data integrity, completeness, and compliance with quality management requirements.

Bioinformatics Support

• Assist with development, implementation, testing, and documentation of bioinformatics tools and analytical pipelines.
• Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation.
• Participate in efforts to improve bioinformatics workflows and data management processes.
• Collaborate with CDC stakeholders in support of data modernization initiatives.

Technical Support and Training

• Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to federal, state, and local PulseNet users.
• Support users with data uploads, analyses, visualization tools, and related workflows.
• Assist with preparation of training materials, guidance documents, and presentations.
• Participate in training activities for PulseNet network participants and public health partners.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, summaries, and documentation.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to supervisors and program stakeholders.
• Participate in meetings and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with quality assurance and quality control requirements.

Outbreak Response Support

• Assist with foodborne disease outbreak investigations and surveillance activities.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, laboratorians, and public health partners during outbreak response efforts.
• Support national and international foodborne disease response activities as assigned.

Compliance and Safety

• Adhere to CDC, contractor, and program-specific policies and procedures.
• Complete all required biosafety, information security, and organizational compliance training.
• Maintain awareness of applicable quality management and data security requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines or a related field:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Biological Sciences
• Public Health
• Computer Science
• Other relevant scientific discipline

Experience

• One (1) year of professional experience supporting bioinformatics, genomics, molecular biology, public health laboratory programs, or related scientific initiatives.
• Relevant academic research experience may be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of biological and genomic data analysis principles.
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and workflows.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and interpret scientific findings.
• Experience working with data management systems and databases.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting PulseNet or public health surveillance programs.
• Knowledge of foodborne pathogens, bacterial genomics, and molecular epidemiology.
• Experience using Linux operating systems and command-line environments.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, R, or Bash.
• Familiarity with genome assembly, annotation, sequence quality assessment, and phylogenetic analysis.
• Experience with NCBI databases and genomic data submission processes.
• Understanding of laboratory quality management systems and quality assurance practices.
• Experience supporting collaborations with CDC, FDA, USDA, public health laboratories, or academic institutions.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, training materials, scientific reports, or presentations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is primarily performed onsite at CDC facilities in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Telework may be authorized in accordance with contract requirements and government approval.

The position requires regular interaction with scientists, epidemiologists, public health laboratory personnel, and federal partners supporting surveillance, outbreak investigations, and public health response activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to review and analyze scientific and technical data.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Seneca Holdings provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status, veteran status, or other protected class status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training. The Company also prohibits retaliation against any employee who exercises his or her rights under applicable anti-discrimination laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company does give hiring preference to Seneca or Native individuals. Veterans with expertise in these areas are highly encouraged to apply.