Bioinformatics Specialist I

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Working under the direction of the Administrative Director and in collaboration with the Senior Systems Administrator, the Bioinformatics Specialist I (BSI) will contribute a computational background, skills and efforts to our basic and clinical research efforts aimed at solving problems in human health and biology.

The BSI collaborates with computational biologists, laboratory scientists, and clinicians with the DNA Core and key laboratories in CCIB to focus on next generation sequencing services with work including computational analysis and pipelines, data management activities, resource centralization and supporting Good Manufacturing Practice infrastructure. The BSI will analyze data from ongoing sequencing experiments and high throughput screens to identify genes and pathways involved in disease.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Next Generation Sequencing analysis, sharing and storage

• 45%

• Identify and manage optimal data storage and sharing platforms of large (>1TB) data files generated by Next Generation Sequencing technologies.

• Develop new sequencing workflows run on high-performance computers using publicly available software pipelines.

• Centralize and organize all data generated from high throughput technologies (e.g. next generation sequencing, metabolite profiling, proteomics, genomics screens) in one database for ease of interrogation.

• Develop, implement, and perform data analytic workflows and pipelines on Cloud-based systems.

Management of Data, Methods and Reagents Centralization

• 35%

• Manage the export of automation method files from systems such as the Beckman Biomek 5, i7, FX and FXp automation systems to a shared file system with a regular backup schedule.

• Ensure all methods and protocols are available to all groups at the CCIB DNA Core (mouse genotyping, Sanger and NGS teams).

• Implement a centralized and up-to-date chemical and reagent inventory for the lab.

• Create and maintain centralized databases which can interface with NCBI tools.

• Update and maintain the current animal management database to implement experimental design and data tracking.

• Evaluate and recommend new emerging technologies, approaches, and analytic solutions.

• Maintain and organize computational infrastructure and resources, exploring new technology solutions keeping systems secure and data backed up.

• Support Good Manufacturing Practice infrastructure including equipment and data validation.

Information Technology Support

• 20%

• Support the upgrade, installation, and maintenance of Lab Personnel hardware and software.

• Ensure all PC, Mac, and Linux installations meet MGB compliance standards.

• Ensure email and data usage meets MGB compliance standards.

• Troubleshooting hardware and software issues across PC and Mac platforms.

• Troubleshoot printing and network issues.

• Maintain up to date inventory of all installed hardware and software.

• Maintain the process for automating standards compliant software installation across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.

• Maintain Lab Personnel software license tracking. This includes processing license orders and proper distribution.

• Order and stock computer accessories.

• Expedite in and out of warranty hardware repairs with multiple vendors.

• Keep tasks organized and up to date in our task management system.

• Keep track of hardware, software, and orders in our inventory management system.

• Update and add to our online FAQ system.

Participate in other responsibilities, projects, meetings and work teams as needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS/ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• BS required in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or directly related field.

• MS in a quantitative discipline like Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering preferred.

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience required in Computational Biology/ Bioinformatics, Computer Science or directly related field.