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Director Bioinformatics Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Director Bioinformatics information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$95.9K

$158.4K

How much do director bioinformatics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for director bioinformatics in Tennessee is $95,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director bioinformatics?

A Director of Bioinformatics leads teams that analyze complex biological data using computational tools and techniques. They oversee the development of algorithms, manage bioinformatics projects, and collaborate with scientists to interpret genomic and molecular data. Their role involves strategic planning, managing research initiatives, and ensuring that bioinformatics solutions align with organizational goals. Typically, they work in biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic settings, driving innovation through data-driven insights. Strong leadership, expertise in bioinformatics tools, and an understanding of biology and programming are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director bioinformatics?

To thrive as a Director of Bioinformatics, you need advanced expertise in computational biology, data analytics, genomics, and a graduate degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like Python, R, SQL, cloud-based platforms, and bioinformatics pipelines, as well as leadership certifications, is highly valued. Outstanding candidates possess strategic thinking, excellent communication, team leadership, and project management abilities. These skills are vital for leading multidisciplinary teams, driving cutting-edge research, and delivering actionable insights in fast-evolving scientific environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by a director bioinformatics, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Bioinformatics often faces the challenge of managing large, complex datasets and integrating diverse types of biological data from multiple sources. Balancing the needs of scientific research teams with company or institutional goals requires strong leadership and strategic prioritization. Effective collaboration with scientists, clinicians, and IT staff is essential to ensure data accuracy, platform scalability, and actionable results. Staying updated with rapidly evolving bioinformatics tools and methodologies also presents a continuous learning opportunity. Proactively investing in team training, establishing robust data management practices, and fostering open communication can help address these challenges.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee?

For Director Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Director Bioinformatics jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Director Bioinformatics job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Bioinformatics job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,855 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Bioinformatics Research Scientist Neurobiology and Brain

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

The Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist performs data analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, experimental design, database development, mathematical modeling, and novel method development. Provides bioinformatics analysis for investigators and communicates analytical process and results.
The Senior 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 Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP) is seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Research Scientist. The NBTP is a collaborative translational research program with a mission to improve survival and morbidity for children with brain tumors. Through application of cutting-edge molecular approaches to unique and data-rich cohorts, members of this program are efficiently translating laboratory findings into clinical practice and treatment innovations.
The successful candidate will contribute to discovery-driven computational studies of unprecedented multi-'omics datasets obtained from children with malignant brain cancer. Through application of machine learning and integration of large multi-modal datasets, including bulk, single-cell, and spatial profiles, we aim to make novel insights with real-world clinical implications.
The candidate will work closely with other bioinformatics personnel within the NBTP 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. The successful recruit must have the capacity to execute proficient computational analyses and troubleshoot independently, communicate effectively with the PI and collaborators across diverse disciplines, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, and/or data science.
  • Analyzed date using some the following platforms: long read sequencing, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, Hi-C, DNA methylation, single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and quantitative proteomics.
  • A strong CV that includes translational publications in the field of cancer genomics, epigenomics, single-cell, and/or spatial 'omics.
  • Experience in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing human genomics datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing platforms including short- (Illumina) and long-read- (e.g. PacBio and Oxford Nanopore) whole-genome sequencing.Proficiency in relevant programming languages such as R and Python, preferably in a High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment. Exposure to building tools and developing pipelines a plus.
  • Proficiency in tools for ensuring reproducibility of pipelines, such as workflow management systems (e.g., nextflow or snakemake), and version control (e.g., git).
  • Extensive expertise in data integration and harmonization.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and success collaborating with clinical and/or multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Minimum Education:
  • Master's degree in bioinformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences) or related field with 6+ years of experience post degree.
  • PhD preferred, with 2+ years of experience post degree.

Minimum Experience:
  • Experience Exception: Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
  • Experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

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.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Independently perform basic and advanced level statistical analysis, algorithm implementation, programming from a variety of biotechnology platforms, and oversee quality check.
  • Design and prepare materials and courses for training on various bioinformatics software and databases, computing, data mining, and analysis.
  • Act as a liaison between end-users, software developers, system designers, and different departments.
  • Establish protocols or best practices for common research tasks and SOP, evaluate products and solutions to make recommendations, and integrate solutions.
  • Lead the development, implementation, installation, and maintenance of databases; coordinate data collection, database implementation, and usage and any hardware and software related to database collection.
  • Develop programs to assist in the analysis of data within the databases.
  • Assist in planning, coordinating, and organizing projects across departments and delegate tasks based on priority, expertise, and capacity.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

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 $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Bioinformatics Research Scientist Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (NBTP).
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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