Associate Data Scientist Bioinformatics

The primary purpose of the Associate Data Scientist is to leverage the capabilities of next-generation sequencing data to drive forward the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for cancer patients. This crucial role is centered on analyzing and interpreting intricate genetic information at the single-cell level to identify unique biomarkers and understand tumor heterogeneity. By crafting advanced computational tools and algorithms, the Associate Data Scientist will play a crucial part in accelerating scientific discoveries and contributing to the development of new therapies and diagnostics that can transform patient care and health outcomes.

Led by Prof. Bissan Al-Lazikani, Director of Therapeutics Data Science, the intelligent and ever-learning A3D3a platform is part of the new initiative in Therapeutics Data Science and part of our ambitious Institute for Data Science in Oncology at MD Anderson. A3D3a will accelerate the discovery and impact of novel therapies for cancer by enabling novel opportunities for optimized therapies for patients with a focus on rare and hard-to-treat cancers through the development of novel machine learning and AI technologies.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Carry out preparation, clean-up, and quality control of biological data, including scRNA-Seq, scATAC-Seq, Spatial transcriptomics and/or other multi-dimensional omic data modalities,

• Develop and maintain pipelines for bioinformatics and statistical analyses of aforementioned data types; activities to include handling raw data, evaluating outputs, optimizing parameters and summarizing findings.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design experiments and analyze data from various single cell platforms.

• Maintain knowledge of latest bioinformatic approaches and variety sequencing technologies, especially in single-cell context.

• Present results at multidisciplinary project meetings.

• Produce output for scientific publications and co-author said publications.

• Prepare written reports, manuscripts, and grant applications with investigators.

• Work closely with the team and collaborators to discover novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients.

Expected Skills

• Deep knowledge of bioinformatics tools and their implementation as part of pipelines, particularly for scRNA-Seq, scATAC-Seq, Spatial transcriptomics and/or other multi-dimensional omic data modalities.

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of genomic technologies and analysis of data generated.

• Analyzing and interpreting outputs to identify insights and hypotheses from data.

• Understanding of essential statistical methodologies required for bioinformatics analyses.

• Addressing challenges in bioinformatics as well as mitigation strategies such as bias, batch correction, etc.

• Utilizing High Performance Computing to run large-scale analyses.

• Unix, R, Python or other scripting/programming languages.

• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• With Inclusion, you understand that your ideas and contributions are valued. You promote the same for others. You address your own biases while promoting diversity and equity. (Competencies: Cultural Humility, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Intelligence)
• With Drive, you see that you can serve as a leader whether you have a formal leadership role or not. You tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and don't lose sight of your goals. (Competencies: Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Technical Expertise)
• You demonstrate Professionalism by setting the example for others and consistently modeling MD Anderson's values and service standards. You communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Competencies: Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)
• Through Emotional Intelligence, you maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in an inclusive and responsive way. (Competencies: Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)
• Having Coachability means you are engaged in relentless learning. You constantly ask questions and stay curious. You understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Competencies: Develop Oneself, Adaptability)

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, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.

Preferred: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Two years experience in scientific software development/analysis.

Preferred: Experience with single cell sequencing analysis.

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 166297

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,000

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 106,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 128,000

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes