Research Specialist I - Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics

Job Title

Research Specialist I - Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

$3,562.34 monthly

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

This position may pay more than the minimum proposed salary listed above, depending on experience and/or qualifications of the selected candidate.

We are seeking a talented and experienced Bioinformatics Research Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team. As a Bioinformatics Research Specialist, you will play a crucial role in analyzing complex biological data, developing computational algorithms, and interpreting results to advance our understanding of biological systems and support research and development efforts.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Perform data analysis on large-scale biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Utilize bioinformatics tools and computational algorithms to extract meaningful insights, identify patterns, and interpret results. Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records of all experiments and findings.

• Develop and implement computational algorithms, machine learning models, and data analysis pipelines for biological data. Optimize algorithms to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability for handling large volumes of biological data.

• Manage and curate biological databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Design and maintain database schemas, optimize queries and integrate with other bioinformatics tools.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including plant scientists, microbiologists, and animal science researchers. Provide training and support in molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques. Oversee lab safety, equipment maintenance, and inventory management, and stay updated with bioinformatics developments by attending relevant conferences and workshops.

• Participates and assists in college-wide events, activities, committee and performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• Four years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree in bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Proven experience (3+ years) in bioinformatics analysis, Computational Biologist, or similar role in analyzing biological data using bioinformatics tools and techniques.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Perl.

• Experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., BLAST,

• Ensemble, NCBI, UCSC Genome Browser).

• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.

• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Perl, or Java, with experience in bioinformatics software and databases (e.g., NCBI databases, Ensemble, UCSC Genome Browser).

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply computational methods to biological research questions.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

• Expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, data mining, and visualization techniques applied to biological datasets.

• Knowledge of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other -omics data analysis methods and technologies.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and algorithms for sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, and pathway analysis.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy fo