Computational Biologist

Computational Biologist - Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes

Join the HJF Team.HJF is seeking a Computational Biologist to support the Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), located at the Rockledge Office in Bethesda, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to ACESO.

ACESO has built a global clinical research platform to study the host response to severe infection and to translate results into action. By applying the required skills to genomic datasets, the successful candidate will drive the generation and testing of hypotheses leading to new biological insights into inflammatory syndromes including sepsis and COVID-19.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with laboratory and clinical scientists to generate, visualize, and interpret genomic data. The candidate will also work closely with other ACESO data scientists to analyze large, multi-omic datasets consisting of proteomic, phosphoproteomic, and metabolomic data from longitudinal cohorts of patients. The candidate will need to communicate results on a regular basis with the science team and key stakeholders, as well as prepare manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as subject matter expert for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data generation and analysis pipelines.
• Communicates results on a regular basis with the science team and key stakeholders and prepares presentations and reports as needed. Works with external collaborators at academic and government research institutions to achieve the goals of the program. (50%)
• Assess NGS needs in support of current areas of investigation and implement solutions. (10%)
• Develop data analysis strategies and deploy computational tools for the exploration of large data sets, consisting of DNA and RNA sequencing data from longitudinal patient cohorts, single-cell sequencing data, and clinical outcome data. (10%)
• Interact with System Innovation & Integration, Data Management, and Information Technology personnel as necessary to develop required computational resources. (10%)
• Explore novel data representation modes with emphasis on integrating diverse data types. Develops innovative approaches to answer research questions. Assists in the development of the methods sections for protocols, grant applications, and manuscripts. (10%)
• Work at the interface of biology and technology to address biological questions using advanced NGS methods and approaches. (10%)
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of NGS pipelines including protocols, alignment, quantification, normalization, and quality assurance and control measures required.
• Must have experience with inspection of genomic data including contemporary genome browsers and viewers.
• Ability to apply cutting-edge matrix factorization approaches to large datasets and to explore differences across groups or samples.
• Experience using data mining tools, such as gene set enrichment, connectivity map or similar.
• Understanding of single-cell sequencing data analysis, visualization, and tools for kinetic and trajectory analysis strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with programming and scripting languages appropriate for scalable data analysis (e.g., python, R, Unix).
• Knowledge of statistics and data modeling required.
• Extensive knowledge of NGS technologies and the breadth and future of genomics.
• Ability to communicate effectively; ability to make effective presentations; excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented with the ability to lead a project.
• Strong time management skills; ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines of projects.

Minimum Education:
Master's degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field required. A doctoral degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements:
0-2 years of relevant work experience required.

Travel Requirements:

• This position will be based in Bethesda, MD; however, the incumbent will be required to meet with partners, sponsors, and/or attend local conferences/training events within a 50-miles radius of Bethesda, MD. Any travel over 50-miles will be reimbursed by the program.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

About Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine:

HJF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike.Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.