Position: Computational Biologist I - Harkess Lab

Position Type: Full-Time

Pay: $65-79k

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology ( ) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Alex Harkess laboratory uses comparative genomics to explore the diversity of reproduction in plants. Leveraging the immense sequencing capacity at HudsonAlpha, our laboratory uses classical botany paired with cutting-edge genomics to characterize shifts in reproduction strategies across the land plant tree of life. We develop novel methodologies for identifying, assembling, and analyzing sex chromosomes in plants, in addition to other broad-scale questions regarding plant reproductive and evolutionary genomics.

POSITION SUMMARY

A successful Computational Biologist I should be able to address complex scientific questions using next generation sequencing technologies (Illumina, PacBio) by applying a combination of computational and biological expertise. The candidate should be able to assist in designing experiments that address the problem at hand and then take the resultant data and design/apply computational methods that specifically address problems related to functional plant genomics. The candidate will be responsible for complex plant genome assembly, annotation, and running a diversity of other analysis pipelines in the laboratory. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for communicating with external collaborators for project updates, and contributing to manuscript writing to disseminate results.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

Support of scientific research using technical knowledge of software, software development, networking, and/or hardware in a complex computing environment.
Perform complex data analysis related to specialized research methodologies and results as assigned by the Principle Investigator.
Develop and/or modify software to support new and ongoing research projects.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in computational biology, genomics, or related quantitative field; Ph.D. degree is preferred
Knowledge of current bioinformatics approaches and databases
Excellent understanding of compute clusters, unix, bash, and any basic programming language
Strong understanding of sequencing data (Illumina and PacBio at minimum)
Excellent communication skills, demonstrating ability to understand objectives of research team and write explanations for research papers

Required Skills:

Subject matter expert in multiple areas of computing technology, and specific knowledge of molecular biology and genetics
Knowledgeable in computational biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics.
Comfortable constructing bioinformatics pipelines that interface with internal and external resources.
Fluency with UNIX, and able to function in a cluster computing environment.
Strong statistical background.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
Occasionally move about the office (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.).
Constant use of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Communicate in person and over the telephone.

Environmental Factors

Perform work in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature.

Tolerate moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

Mental Functions

Continuous mental and visual attention.
Ability to focus on tasks despite interruptions and open cubicle environment.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
Analyze and solve problems.
Learn and apply new skills and information.
Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks.
Read and interpret data, information, and documents.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology jobs

HudsonAlpha - Computational Biologist I - Harkess Lab