Job Description

The Bioinformatics Research Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, improving, modifying, and operating data analysis pipelines. Manages projects and coordinates other efforts related to analysis and infrastructure as directed.

The Escoubas Laboratory, within the Center of Excellence in Neuro-Oncology Sciences (CENOS) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join our growing research team. CENOS fosters a collaborative and innovative scientific environment dedicated to advancing discoveries that improve outcomes for children with brain tumors.

The Escoubas Lab investigates bidirectional communication between neurons and microglia through nucleic acid sensing pathways, with implications for neurodevelopment, neurological disease, and pediatric brain tumors. This position is ideal for an individual with a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, or systems biology who is passionate about applying advanced computational approaches to complex biological questions.

The successful candidate will partner closely with the Principal Investigator and laboratory members to develop and implement robust analytical workflows for single-cell and spatial omics datasets, neuronal activity analyses, and human genetic studies. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact research at the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and pediatric cancer biology.

The Bioinformatics Research Scientist will be expected to:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize analytical pipelines for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bulk RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, and neuronal activity datasets, including multi-electrode array (MEA) data.
• Perform genome-wide association study (GWAS) enrichment analyses and integrate multi-omic datasets to investigate mechanisms relevant to neurodevelopment, neurological disorders, and pediatric brain tumors.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory scientists to design analyses, interpret results, and generate publication-quality data visualizations.
• Develop reproducible computational workflows and implement best practices for data processing, quality control, statistical analysis, and data management.
• Assist in onboarding and mentoring new laboratory members in computational tools, bioinformatics workflows, and data analysis methodologies.
• Coordinate with St. Jude core facilities, including genomics, proteomics, and imaging platforms, to facilitate sample submissions, data acquisition, and data management.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, grant applications, presentations, and other dissemination of research findings.
• Work independently while fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment with laboratory members and institutional colleagues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of computational methods, analyses, and results to ensure reproducibility and transparency.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the scientific goals of the laboratory and institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Experience analyzing high-dimensional genomic and transcriptomic datasets, including single-cell and spatial omics data.
• Proficiency in R, Python, Linux/Unix environments, and workflow development.
• Familiarity with neuronal activity analyses, network biology, machine learning approaches, and multi-omic data integration is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Familiarity with GWAS methodology and enrichment analysis tools
• Experience with research coordination in an academic setting
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry) or related field.
• Master's degree or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry).
• Experience Exception: Master's degree with 4+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with no experience.
• Experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Bioinformatics Research Scientist.

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