Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

The Department of Dermatology at Stanford School of Medicine, is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to develop software and conduct bioinformatic, computational biology and machine learning analysis 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 genomics analysis plans, write bioinformatics programs to implement the analysis plans, present results orally to investigators and publish findings. The candidate will assume ownership of computational analysis and software development for medium to large scale projects. The candidate will also be responsible to help develop new software and maintain existing bioinformatics platforms. 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 and computational biology. Previous experience with using existing software and developing new software solutions for the analysis of high throughput data and large NGS studies is strongly desired. In addition, applicants are required to have good familiarity with bioinformatics/data science languages (Python, R, or other languages) to create custom data analysis pipelines, to mine databases and test directed hypotheses with internal data. Applicants are be expected to have some familiarity with machine learning and good visualization practices. Good expertise with Unix-like environment and high-performance computing is required and familiarity with cloud computing environments will also be helpful. 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:

• Conceptualize design, implement, and develop solutions for complex system/programs independently.
• Work with a variety of users to gain information, and develop intra-system tradeoffs between different users, as necessary; interact with a diverse client base and outside vendor contacts.
• Document system builds and application configurations; maintain and update documentation as needed.
• Provide technical analysis, design, development, conversion, and implementation work.
• Work as a project leader, as needed, for projects of moderate complexity.
• Serve as a technical resource for applications.
• Compare, evaluate, and implement new features and technologies, and integrate them into the computing environment.
• Follow team software development methodology.
• Mentor lower level software developers.

* – Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field, and three years of relevant experience or
• PhD in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field
• Proficient in R and Python, and a statistical analysis software e.g., SAS or SPSS
• Experience implementing NGS analysis pipelines and bioinformatics approaches
• Skilled in relational databases, data integration and statistical analysis
• Some experience with statistical machine learning and good visualization techniques is preferred
• Some experience with web site development and maintenance is preferred
• Familiarity with software development practices and version control systems e.g., GitHub
• Experience administering Unix-like systems and working in HPC environment and familiarity with cloud computing
• Outstanding ability to communicate information to both technical and non-technical audiences

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Expertise in designing, developing, testing, and deploying applications.
• Proficiency with application design and data modeling.
• Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Ability to lead activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming methods.
• Knowledge of application domain.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended hours, evening and weekends.

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