Lead-Bioinformatics Research Scientist

The Lead-Bioinformatics Research Scientist takes a lead role in data analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, experimental design, database development, mathematical modeling, and novel method development. Working independently, provides bioinformatics analysis for investigators and communicates analytical process and results.

A Lead Bioinformatic Research Scientist position is available in the lab of Dr. Jian Xu at Department of Pathology and Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies (CELS) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to study the genomic and/or metabolic mechanisms controlling stem cell development and blood cancers. Our lab uses cutting-edge genomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics approaches in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative team setting. Our recent studies include the development of the CRISPR CAPTURE approach ( Cell 170:1028), the analysis of rewired BCAA metabolism ( Cancer Discovery 9:1228), the role of pathogenic non-coding variants ( Cancer Discovery 10:724), retrotransposon silencing ( Nature Genetics 53:672), therapy resistance in hematologic malignancies ( Cancer Discovery 13:170), and metabolic rewiring in erythropoiesis ( Science 386:eadh9215).

The main responsibilities will be developing and implementing bioinformatic methodologies for integrative genomic and metabolomic studies of childhood cancers; overseeing operations related to genomic and metabolomic data processing and analysis within the Advanced Technology & Genomics (ATG) core, including software pipelines for short-read and long-read-based genome sequencing, single-cell genomics, high throughput metabolomic profiling, and stable isotope tracing; managing databases; and providing bioinformatic support and services to other lab members and St. Jude researchers.

Candidates must hold a MS or PhD degree with a strong background and expertise in genomics, computational biology, metabolism research, and/or cancer biology. The ideal candidate will exhibit independence, flexibility and creativity with a record of scientific productivity. Previous experience in single-cell genomics, computational biology, and/or hematology-oncology is strongly preferred.

Interested individuals should upload a CV, a short summary of research interest and experience, and a list of three references.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead data analysis and deliver high-quality results by formulating advanced and/or new analytical approaches with the available data/ to address challenging data analysis questions.
• Deliver data files, and document the analytical process. Participate in manuscript preparation at project's conclusion.
• Establish and document protocols or best practices for common research tasks.
• Recommend ideas to automate or improve existing analysis methods and implement the improvement.
• Evaluate and test new methods and technologies. Develop reusable code and pipeline. Participate in redistribution and education of novel methods to research community when required.
• Lead and participate in the department's developmental projects and interdepartmental team projects. Act as a project manager when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry) or related field.
• Master's degree or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry).
• Experience Exception: Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 5+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
• Substantial experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $125,840 - $238,160 per year for the role of Lead-Bioinformatics Research Scientist.

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