Lead-Bioinformatics Research Scientist

The Lead-Bioinformatics Research Scientist takes a lead role in data analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, experimental design, database development, mathematical modeling, and novel method development. Working independently, provides bioinformatics analysis for investigators and communicates analytical process and results. This position requires relocation to Memphis, TN.

The Northcott Lab (https://www.stjude.org/research/labs/northcott-lab.html) in the Center of Excellence in Neuro-Oncology Sciences (CENOS; https://www.stjude.org/research/centers-of-excellence/cenos.html) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Lead Bioinformatics Research Scientist. The Northcott Lab is internationally renowned for its expertise in the genomic analysis of pediatric brain tumors, with a track record supported by transformative publications in top-tier journals such as Nature, Cancer Cell, Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and more.  The successful candidate will lead discovery-driven computational studies of unprecedented multi-omic datasets obtained from children with malignant brain cancer, including bulk tumor/normal, single-cell/nucleus, and spatial ‘omic profiles. The candidate will work closely with other bioinformatics personnel in the Northcott Lab and CENOS to play an integral role in exciting collaborations, both within St. Jude and with prominent external collaborators. A deep understanding of cancer genomics, human genetics, transcriptomics, or epigenetics, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and expertise in NGS data analysis are essential for this position. Prior experience with machine learning applications, classification problems, and application of AI to large molecular datasets are considered an asset. The successful recruit must have the capacity to execute proficient computational analyses and troubleshooting independently, communicate effectively with the PI and collaborators, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.

The Lead Bioinformatics Research Scientist functions independently to coordinate large-scale bioinformatics projects, providing project oversight, scientific and technical advice, programming support, and other input as required to achieve established objectives. Establishes best practice recommendations, creates educational materials, and participates in educational initiatives at the laboratory, departmental, and/or institutional level.

The successful candidate will join a team of Ph.D.-level bioinformaticians and data scientists to analyze and interpret unparalleled multi-omic datasets derived from children and models with malignant brain cancer, including bulk tumor/normal, single-cell/nucleus, and spatial ‘omic profiles. The Lead Bioinformatics Research Scientist will present research findings at project meetings, scientific conferences, and outreach/training events. There will be opportunities to initiate new projects and collaborate with other groups at St. Jude and externally, including clinicians, basic scientists, and data scientists.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A PhD and extensive post-PhD experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science.
• A strong CV that includes high-profile publications in the field of computational biology, cancer genomics, and/or single-cell genomics.
• Extensive expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing human genomics datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing technologies including short- (Illumina) and long-read- (e.g. PacBio and Oxford Nanopore) whole genome sequencing.
• Extensive experience performing statistical analyses of large genomic datasets and validation of genomic pipelines.
• Expert-level proficiency in relevant programming languages such as R and Python, preferably in a High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment.
• Proficiency in tools for ensuring reproducibility of pipelines, such as workflow management systems (e.g., nextflow or snakemake), and version control (e.g., git).
• Proficiency in tool development, including examples documented in public repositories.
• Experience with database management systems such as MySQL.
• Extensive expertise in data integration and harmonization.
• Proven problem-solving skills and collaborative nature in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in project management and leadership, including training of basic bioinformatics and statistical skillsets.

Minimum Education and/or Training:<