Statistical Analyst (Bioinformatics and Biostatistics) - Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Car

This position is located at the Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center, Science Park campus, located in Smithville, Texas.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Statistical Analyst position is to carry out data preparation responsibilities, develop statistical programs and perform statistical analysis. Impacts data analysis and management aspects of research for the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Bioinformatics Support
Under supervision and in collaboration with researchers and faculty, compiles, analyzes and reports statistical data for various projects including, but not limited to manual and computer-aided data abstraction and evaluation, computerized imaging and bioinformatics. Utilize various database management systems. Interact regularly with next generation sequencing (NGS) core to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems impacting the quantity and quality of samples and data. Perform analysis on data produced from NGS systems (DNA-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Bisulfite sequencing etc.). Maintain, benchmark and develop NGS-based applications and technologies in order to assist department faculty for research data analysis. Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms to elucidate global regulatory mechanism by integrating the genomic data. Leverage a wide range of bioinformatics and statistical skills with a focus on contributing to NGS core and epigenetic research projects.

Expertise and Specialization
Utilizing knowledge and experience in both Windows and Linux operating systems, with emphasis on Linux, shell scripting within Bash environment or similar general purpose programming languages, develop high quality scripts (R, Perl or Python) and programs (C/C++, and optionally Java) for genomic applications, evaluate research project results and develop appropriate responses to resolve problems, review scientific findings/articles, evaluate and build upon third-party open-source bioinformatics and other software applications, and use public genome databases (TCGA, GEO, NCBI, EBI, UCSC, etc.). Perform bioinformatics algorithms and large-scale data analysis.

Research Support
Assist faculty in the development of new statistical methodology for measurement and analysis of data. Apply standard statistical methods, simulation models and statistical programming as needed. Collaborate with supervisor and principal investigators in biology labs to develop appropriate hypotheses and data analysis pipelines and deliver robust, integrated analyses of the NGS data. Assist in planning, developing, and executing computational tools and algorithms necessary to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, cancer epigenetics, and other biological processes. Assess relevant literature as well as existing data, evaluate the quality of data used in reports and assist with preparation and distribution of data for committee and scientific meetings. Represent the bioinformatics program at conferences and meetings. Compile, write and submit and/or present progress reports to supervisor and PIs.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Master's degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Mathematics or related field.

Preferred Education: Doctorate (Academic)

Certification: None

Experience: One year experience with mainframe and/or PC databases, document processing and statistical software such as SAS and S-Plus.

Preferred Experience: At least one year of experience with bioinformatics analysis of NGS genomic data.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency

Deadlines
Sedentary Environment

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequency

Weight

Keyboarding
Sitting

Constant 67-100%
Constant 67-100%

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COGNITIVE DEMANDS

Analytical Ability
Appropriate Behavior
Attention to detail
Comprehending
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Following Instructions
Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
Interpersonal Skills
Mathematical Skills/Reasoning
Memorizing/Remembering
Multitasking
Oral Communication
Organizing
Problem Solving
Reading Skills/Comprehension
Selective Attention
Working Alone
Written Communication

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html SONJ