Scientist I, Bioinformatics

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a leading healthcare nonprofit organization like no other. For decades, we have been taking major steps and pioneering new ways to advance the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

 

By joining the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to our core values and working towards a cure for cystic fibrosis. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by CF. Learn more about why work at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Position Summary:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Laboratory is looking to hire a Computational Scientist, Bioinformatics to aid in the development of therapies for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The Scientist will work as part of joint Genomics/Bioinformatics team and directly with the scientific functional groups across the CFFT Lab. This role works closely with the Head of Bioinformatics and the Head of NGS and Genomics on devising research strategies, designing experiments, performing data analysis and interpretation, developing analytical models and computational solutions, and implementing computational pipelines. Participates in the department’s effort in maintaining databases, software tools and solutions as required for organizing, analyzing, and integrating internal experimental data and public datasets. Understands well the biology application domain, proficient in bioinformatics tools, databases, software development, general and numerical algorithms, statistics and machine learning. Capable of working independently and as a part of a team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently, or as part of a team, conduct computational analysis of experimental data.

• Identify and apply relevant existing analytical/statistical approaches, software tools, and solutions.

• Develop novel analytical/statistical approaches and computational solutions, implement computational pipelines.

• Analyze genomic data and diverse Next Generation Sequencing datasets (short-read and long-read platforms, DNA-seq, bulk and single cell RNA-seq, epigenetic profiling, HT screens).

• Stay current on scientific literature and research advances, provide input for identification of research questions and for experimental design; play a key role in result interpretation and presentation.

• Participate in group meetings for discussion of data analysis needs and strategies.

• Prepare and present results at internal meetings.     

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• PhD (1-2 years of postdoc or industrial experience preferred), or Master’s with 5+ years of experience and demonstrated excellence in conducting computational research, and generating scientific insights.

• Experience with Next Generation sequencing technologies and processing and analysis of a broad range of genomic/transcriptomic/epigenetic NGS data.

• Experience with managing and integrative analysis of large scale multi-omic datasets (large genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenetic datasets, for example ENCODE, single cell atlases, GWAS, etc).

• Knowledge in general-purpose, numerical, and bioinformatics algorithms.

• Strong analytical skills, expertise in statistical analysis, and statistical/machine learning algorithms.

• Proven software development skills, proficiency in R and/or Python (including Python’s scientific libraries) preferred, shell scripting, familiarity with version control, Linux administration skills.

• Good understanding of biology and of molecular biology experimental techniques, specifically in the areas of transcriptomics and transcriptional regulation (while wet lab skills are not required, understanding of molecular biology and of experimental methods and protocols is).

• Additional desirable skills: direct experience in machine learning/AI approaches to biological problems and to sequence analysis specifically; familiarity with cloud computing environments; familiarity with HTML/JavaScript and web application/server technologies.

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

• Handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and keep organized to ensure timely and accurate work.    

• Ability to concentrate on details.      

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Scientist IV. No direct reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Commute to lab every workday.

• Once a year travel to scientific or technological meeting as necessary.

• Use of computer required.

• Sitting, bending, reaching, and walking.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days or until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly if interested.

The salary range is $108,800.00 to $135,800.00. Specific salary varies based on geographic location and is commensurate with experience.

Total Rewards: The CF Foundation is committed to offering competitive compensation (base pay and incentive), benefits, time off and professional development opportunities that maximize our ability to recruit, retain, reward, and motivate a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Visit our Why Work at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for detailed total rewards information.

The CF Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or any characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations: The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at HROps@cff.org.