Bioinformatics Research Scientist Clinical Genomics, Department of Computational Biology

$86,320 - $154,960/Yr

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Memphis, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Memphis, TN

Hospitals

About the position

The department of Computational Biology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking an experienced Bioinformatics Research Scientist to lead the development of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq-based pipelines for our clinical genomics program. This program, which began in 2013, has been at the forefront of utilizing sequencing for clinical testing. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our innovative approaches, particularly in transcriptomics, which includes bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cancer biology and will stay updated on current methodologies and trends in the field, leveraging this knowledge to identify viable opportunities and effective solutions that can drive innovation within the clinical genomics program. In this role, the Bioinformatics Research Scientist will direct a multidisciplinary team responsible for the end-to-end development of bioinformatics pipelines. This includes evaluating existing methods, developing annotation and filtering strategies, and ensuring validation in compliance with CAP/CLIA requirements. The position demands a high level of bioinformatics rigor applied in a clinical context, where turnaround time limits, workflow considerations, and unique analytical performance criteria are critical. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves regular engagement with pathologists, analysts, bioinformaticians, engineers, clinicians, and scientists across various departments within the institution. The responsibilities include designing and leading advanced analyses, coordinating the development of novel software tools, initiating and leading manuscript preparation, establishing best practices, assisting in funding acquisition, and mentoring junior staff. The candidate will also be responsible for maintaining regular attendance and performing other duties as assigned to meet departmental and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead advanced analyses and deliver high-quality results in a timely manner by identifying new technologies and methodologies and recommending for adoption when appropriate.
• Coordinate development of novel software tools and infrastructure as a scientific and technical advisor, contributing code and providing scientific guidance to developers.
• Conceptualize, initiate, and lead manuscript preparation and submission of benchmarking results, new pipelines, databases, and scientific discoveries where appropriate.
• Establish best practices and new protocols for analysis matching skills and expertise, and share protocols with St. Jude investigators through open documentation and hands-on training.
• Assist in acquiring funding to support methods evaluation, development, and infrastructure.
• Lead and coordinate the development of curriculum to educate the St. Jude community.
• Act as an independent project leader for large-scale projects and mentor junior staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of cancer biology and current methods and trends in published literature.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $86,320 - $154,960 per year.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and programs.
• Opportunities for professional development and education.
• Access to cutting-edge research and technology in clinical genomics.