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Computational Scientist

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 17, 2021

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated enthusiastic person with experience in microbiome sequence data analysis, data visualization, and fluency in programming languages and familiarity with the Linux operating system and using high-performance cluster computing.

The primary purpose of this position (Computational Scientist) is to implement and develop bioinformatic and statistical analytical tools for microbiome-related research projects. Specifically, we are looking for a candidate who can plan and execute a statistical analysis starting from tabular data and ending with an attempt to answer a specific research question. The ideal candidate will know which statistical approaches are appropriate to address the research questions and should be willing to develop alternative approaches if no such ideal approach exits for the problem at hand. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively communicate signals embedded in the data through various combinations of data summary statistics, visualizations, etc.

KEY FUNCTIONS
  • Participation in the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative microbiome research studies.
  • Analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting preclinical and clinical microbiome data.
  • Creating publication quality figures and tables.
  • Assisting with raw and analyzed data organization, management, and submission to repositories.
  • Assisting with manuscript and grant preparation.
  • Maintaining a legible and self-explanatory scientific notebook and presenting results during lab meetings and at appropriate scientific conferences.
  • Working with teams of individuals to integrate data / metadata
  • Independently plans, organizes, coordinates, directs various computational data and develops and implements novel analytical pipelines for sequencing data statistical evaluation and visualization
  • Applies statistical tests for associations, differences, survival analyses, and regressions.
  • Assists with computational data on a daily basis to include:

write and edit manuscripts, figures, abstracts, protocols (animal and laboratory), and grants; compile, write, and submit reports to the principal, analyze and manipulate research data; prepare and present data for publication or scientific meetings; maintain current and accurate records of research data; and obtain and distribute pertinent research materials/data.
  • Ability to collect, analyze, interpret and present data at laboratory, departmental meetings, and at other institutional collaborator meetings, including those involving d onors.
  • Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested.
  • Contributes to project team.
  • Work in a clinical and research setting
  • Employ safe laboratory practices.
  • Reads literature and confers with supervisor regarding new procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Interacts closely with other research staff across institutional functional teams.
  • Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.
  • Recognize simple cause and effect relationships. Diagnose problems by breaking them down into simple tasks or activities. Working Conditions

Laboratory environment

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

____No

__X_ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

_X_ No

____ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

__X__No

__ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

__X__No

___ Yes

Exposure to radiation

_X_ No

____ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

Education

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

Education preferred: Master's degree or PhD with a concentration in Science, Engineering or related field.

Experience

Required: Five years experience in scientific software development/analysis. With preferred degree three years experience required.

Preferred:

One year experience in scientific software implementation and development/analysis in the microbiome field is preferred.

Successful applicants should have strong expertise in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and data visualization tools as well as vast knowledge on next-generation sequencing methods and the use of large and sparse datasets related to microbiome research. Bioinformatic programming languages and skills (R, Perl, Python, etc.) and knowledge on commonly used bioinformatic, statistical, and data visualization tools in the microbiome space such as QIIME, MetaPhlAn, HUMAnN, LEfSe or others alike is required. In addition, excellent written and verbal communication; effective judgment and problem solving, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a research background in immunology and cancer, and have an interest in translational research. Strong attention to detail, multi- tasking; and a willingness to learn new technologies is encouraged.

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

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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