Assistant Scientist, Bioinformatics - Emory National Primate Research Center

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Microbiology & Immunology and Center for AIDS Research within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full time Assistant Scientist, Bioinformatics to join the Emory NPRC Genomics Core laboratory. The successful candidate will work as part of a team that provides bioinformatics services to Emory and extramural researchers. Projects aim at investigating mechanisms of disease in the immune system, cancer and infectious disease. The position will allow for the successful applicant to obtain any necessary additional bioinformatic or computational training to complete the project, including training for single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, epigenetics and WGS.

The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude and passion for research. The Assistant Scientist, Bioinformatics will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with lab members and center members. The Assistant Scientist, Bioinformatics will work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with computational biology experience who is familiar with immunology, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

Under minimal supervision, the Assistant Scientist, Bioinformatics performs a wide range of highly technical and complex bioinformatics procedures. Qualification for this position requires demonstrated expertise in designing and developing software, databases, and interfaces for analyzing and manipulating research data applications including expertise with simple programming using Perl/Python or Java, statistical programming, web-development, and database query through SQL. This role collaborates with researchers to develop high throughput data processing and analysis capability.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs and guides database searches and the computational analysis of resulting data.
• Provides direct technical support and helps guide, implement, and maintain further improvements to bioinformatics software, databases, and interfaces and works with the entire bioinformatics team to diagnose and fix related issues.
• May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to function as part of a team.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in bioinformatics, computer science, biological or physical science and three years of experience.
• Experience prior to achieving the PhD will be considered.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Applicant with a background in bioinformatics and strong computer science with an advanced degree in computational biology, bioinformatics or a related computer science discipline preferred
• Demonstrable experience writing code to solve biological problems
• R/Bioconductor proficiency highly preferred
• Experience working with RNA-Seq is a significant strength
• Programming experience in C/C++, Python, Java or PERL is a significant plus
• Experience with containerization/workflow, Docker, Nextflow, Snakemake
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• Motivation to turn data into manuscripts.
• Candidates with analytical experience with spatial transcriptomics will be prioritized.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

• This is an on-site/in-person position with limited remote work availability.
• Your work schedule will be communicated to you by your manager.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT: 

The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects. 

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.