Computational Biologist (Researcher 4) **on site position**

This position is hybrid with at least three days a week in the office. Our office is located on the West Bank of Minneapolis's campus.

Dr. Vivek's lab in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in the Medical School is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Computational Biologist/ data scientist with experience in statistical analysis of epidemiological and high-dimensional -omics datasets. Dr. Vivek's research focuses on identifying blood biomarkers associated with aging and age-related outcomes, including diabetes, dementia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in large population-based studies. She employs machine learning methods to integrate high-dimensional multi-omics data, elucidating biological insights into aging and disease pathways. The successful candidate will specialize in statistical, and computational biology analyses, utilizing high-dimensional omics and extensive phenotype data from large population-based cohorts.

Key Responsibilities:

80% Perform statistical and bioinformatics analysis:

• Research Support: Assist Dr. Vivek in conducting original research by analyzing high-dimensional omics, imaging, and phenotypic data, adhering to best practices such as staying current with literature, tool benchmarking, and code sharing through GitHub.
• Data management: Wrangle, clean, structure, and store large datasets from investigators efficiently.
• System Development: Help build, populate, and maintain a searchable system for storing raw omics and imaging data, sample metadata, data generation and processing provenance, and custom analysis results.
• Workflow Implementation: Assist in implementing scalable, high-performance workflows to support the research community with advanced analytical techniques and disseminate best practices.
• Best Practices: Implement best practices for the representation and analysis of omics, imaging, and integrative data for machine learning prediction models and data visualizations.

10% Collaboration, documentation and presentation of research findings:

• Documentation and Support: Provide detailed documentation and user support to enable computational researchers to access and re-use analysis pipelines effectively.
• Offer processed data and technical support to biostatisticians and computational scientists, identifying and addressing technical factors in data generation and processing to facilitate biological conclusions.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with investigators to understand and clarify requests, document requirements, communicate ongoing work, interpret results, and foster a supportive research community. Engage with team members to build, publish, and re-use high-performance open-source code.

10% Manuscript preparation and publication support:

• Perform literature reviews for manuscript preparation
• Assist with the preparation of materials for presentations and publications, focusing on data visualization, statistical analysis results, and interpretation.
• Help create visually appealing and informative publishable quality charts, graphs, and slides.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Computational Biology, Data Science, Biostatistics, Public Health or a related field and two years of experience, or
  • BS/BA in Computational Biology, Biotatistics, or a related field and four years of experience.
• Programming Skills: Demonstrated skills in a high-level programming language, preferably SAS for data management and statistical analysis, R or Python for data analysis and machine learning models and experience with Linux
• Statistical Understanding: Basic understanding of statistics and its applications to biomedical science.
• Data Management: Experience with structured data storage and multi-component data processing systems.
• Omics/Imaging Data: Experience with architecture or tools for managing "omics" or imaging data.
• Multitasking: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, both written and verbal.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating collaborative problem-solving skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability in research related to genomic analysis, machine learning, or image analysis, which may include experience with next-generation sequencing such as RNA-seq, Whole genome sequencing etc. and microarray-based DNA methylation profiling, and multiplexed proteomics platform.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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