St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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.

The Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP) of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a Principal/Lead Bioinformatics Research Scientist. The NBTP is a collaborative, transdisciplinary research program that aims to improve survival and morbidity for children with brain tumors by developing effective, relatively non-toxic therapies through a better understanding of disease pathogenesis. Through application of cutting-edge molecular approaches to unprecedented patient cohorts and innovative model systems, members of this program are efficiently translating laboratory findings into opportunities for new treatments. Genome-wide studies of diverse pediatric brain tumor entities have identified novel mutations, defined molecular subgroups, and opened new avenues of basic, translational, and clinical investigation.

The Principal/Lead Bioinformatics Research Scientist functions independently to coordinate large-scale bioinformatics projects, providing project oversight, scientific and technical advice, programming support, and other input as required to achieve established objectives. Coordinates the specialized expertise of bioinformatics colleagues to achieve scientific objectives. Establishes best practice recommendations, creates educational materials, and participates in educational initiatives at the laboratory, departmental, and/or institutional level.

The successful candidate will assemble and manage a team of Ph.D.- and MS-level bioinformaticians and data scientists to analyze and interpret new and existing multi-omic datasets obtained from children and models with malignant brain cancer, including bulk tumor/normal, single-cell/nucleus, and spatial ‘omic profiles. The director will present research findings at project meetings, scientific conferences, and outreach/training events. There will be opportunities to initiate new projects and collaborate with other groups at St. Jude and externally, including clinicians, basic scientists, and data scientists.

A deep understanding of cancer genomics, human genetics, transcriptomics, or epigenetics, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and expertise in second and/or third generation sequencing analysis are essential for this position. The successful recruit must have the capacity to execute proficient computational analyses and troubleshooting independently, communicate effectively with NBTP faculty and collaborators, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A PhD and extensive post-PhD experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science.
• A strong CV that includes high-profile publications in the field of computational biology, cancer genomics, and/or single-cell genomics.
• Extensive expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing human genomics datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing technologies including short- (Illumina) and long-read- (e.g. PacBio and Oxford Nanopore) whole genome sequencing.
• Extensive experience performing statistical analyses of large genomic datasets and validation of genomic pipelines.
• Expert-level proficiency in relevant programming languages such as R and Python, preferably in a High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment.
• Proficiency in tools for ensuring reproducibility of pipelines, such as workflow management systems (e.g., nextflow or snakemake), and version control (e.g., git).
• Proficiency in tool development, including examples documented in public repositories.
• Experience with database management systems such as MySQL.
• Extensive expertise in data integration and harmonization.
• Proven problem-solving skills and collaborative nature in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in project management and leadership, including training of basic bioinformatics and statistical skillsets.

Minimum Education:

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

Principal Bioinformatic Research Scientist:

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 13+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences).
• Experience Exception: Master's degree with 11+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 8+ 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.

Lead Bioinformatic Research Scientist:

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences).
• 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/Principal Bioinformatics Research Scientist.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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