Associate Computational Scientist

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 .

The Genomics Medicine Research Department is recruiting highly intelligent and motivated individuals to participate in cutting-edge genomics research focusing on cancer genetics. This individual will be tasked with supporting computational analyses for ongoing experimental projects in the new laboratory of Dr Tyler Hillman at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The laboratory is a mixed wet/dry lab environment focused on the development of novel model systems and high throughput methods for dissecting the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of gynecologic cancers (cancers of the ovary, cervix, and uterus). The successful candidate will use advanced technologies and instrumentation for cancer cell genome characterization, will have solid molecular biology experience, and is willing to acquire experience in the analysis of maturing technologies such as Hi-C and ATAC-sequencing.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Assist in the analysis and development of pipelines, algorithms and software for the analysis, exploration, and visualization of data generated using exome/whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-sequencing, and chromatin conformation capture sequencing (e.g. Hi-C and similar methods) in a timely fashion.
• With direction, develops and maintains software tools and infrastructure for resolving specific problems. Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related academic programs.
• Collaboratively works with wet lab members to develop procedures and analytical frameworks.
• Reads literature and confers with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.
• Ability to search and review the scientific literature for the purpose of developing computational pipelines and supporting the completion of grant applications.
• Flexibility to assist with closely related projects being pursued by other labs in the Genomic Medicine Department.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge and familiarity with UNIX-like computing environment and high-performance computing resources.
• Proficiently use Python and R to develop extensible, well-documented, and user-friendly workflows for analysis of data generated by laboratory members.
• Provides supervision, special training to technical personnel and/or highly technical work in medical and related research projects.
• Contributes to project team.
• Employ safe laboratory practices.
• Maintain research records and laboratory notes.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and present data at laboratory and departmental meetings.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Interacts closely with other research staff across institutional functional teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal candidate:
•Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details.
•Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

Onsite Presence: Is Required

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency

Deadlines
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Exposure to Radiation
Exposure to animals

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Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequency

Weight

Keyboarding
Standing
Walking
Reaching
Lifting
Pushing/Pulling

Constant 67-100%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%

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20-50 lbs
20-50 lbs

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

Analytical Ability
Attention to detail
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Multitasking

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or related field.

Education Preferred: Master's degree in a related field.

Education

Required: Three years experience in scientific software development/analysis. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.

Preferred: Experience working with genomic datasets. Python and/or R coding experience.

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