Principal Bioinformatics Scientist

The Department of Dermatology at Stanford School of Medicine, is seeking a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist to develop software for bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning and artificial intelligence in order to facilitate biomedical research. The candidate will work with a team of bioinformatics scientists and basic science researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to design analysis plans, implement these plans through bioinformatics programming, present results orally to investigators and publish high impact findings. The candidate will be responsible for managing the computational needs of the labs, with a holistic view of both the software and hardware platforms. The candidate will be responsible for managing the use of on-premise and cloud resources and coordinate with PIs for the budgeting of new computational resources to best suit evolving needs. The candidate will also be responsible to help design, develop and maintain informatics platforms to benefit many researchers with a variety of needs. This position will be based at the Stanford Medical campus and provides hybrid flexibility, subject to operational need.

The labs perform cutting-edge research using high-throughput techniques to understand stem cell function, development, cancer, and other biological processes, with a focus on epigenomics. Technologies currently in use include next generation sequencing platforms, spatial genomics, mass spectrometry, custom tiling arrays, and functional genomics screens.  

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology and machine learning. Previous experience with analysis of high throughput genomics data and developing novel methods or software solutions for a variety of problems is highly desired. Applicants are expected to have expertise in machine learning and good visualization practices. Previous experience in administering Unix-like systems, administering cloud environments and using high-performance computing clusters is needed. Significant experience in software development skills and a good background in biology are also desired. We are looking for a person with outstanding ability to communicate information to both technical and non-technical audiences. The candidate will also need to possess skills to work in cross functional teams and be responsible for guiding the work of junior staff.

Duties include:

• Propose, conceptualize, design, implement, and develop solutions for difficult and complex applications independently.
• Oversee testing, debugging, change control, and documentation for major projects.
• Supervise professional staff, as necessary, working on all phases of application development projects.
• Engage in long-term strategic planning.
• Define complex application development administration and programming standards.
• Oversee the support, maintenance, operation, and upgrades of applications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems.
• Review the physical design of existing systems for optimizing performance.
• Lead projects, as necessary, for special systems and application development in areas of complex problems.
• Work with other technical professionals to develop standards and implement best practices.

* – Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field, and three years of relevant experience
• Skilled in R and Python, and a statistical analysis software e.g., SAS or SPSS
• Experience implementing NGS analysis pipelines and developing novel bioinformatics approaches
• Highly skilled in relational databases, data integration and statistical analysis
• Experience with designing web sites with good UI/UX design practices
• Expert in statistical machine learning and good visualization techniques is desired
• Experienced in software development practices and version control systems e.g., GitHub
• Experience administering Unix-like systems and cloud environments, and working in HPC environment
• Outstanding ability to communicate information to both technical and non-technical audiences

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and programming tools.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, testing, and deploying applications.
• Strong understanding of data design, architecture, relational databases, and data modeling.
• Thorough understanding of all aspects of software development life cycle and quality control practices.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Demonstrated experience leading activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Ability to recognize and recommend needed changes in user and/or operations procedures.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand.
• Rarely use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORK STANDARDS (from JDL):

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy