1

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 Aug 11, 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Director Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Director Bioinformatics jobs in Tennessee 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 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,855 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist - Northcott Lab in the

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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

40th of 1,056 rated hospitals


Job description

The Northcott Lab in the Center of Excellence in Neuro-Oncology Sciences (CENOS) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Research Scientitst or Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist. CENOS is a collaborative research environment that aims to drive discoveries needed to improve outcomes for children with brain tumors. Through application of cutting-edge molecular profiling to unprecedented patient cohorts and innovative model systems, CENOS members are rapidly translating laboratory findings into new treatments. Genome-wide studies of diverse pediatric brain tumor entities have identified novel mutations, defined molecular subgroups, and opened new avenues of basic, translational, and clinical investigation.
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 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 successful candidate will contribute to discovery-driven computational studies of unprecedented multi-omic datasets obtained from children with malignant brain cancer, including single-cell, spatial, and liquid biopsy profiles. The candidate will work closely with other bioinformatics personnel within 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, and critical thinking are essential for this position. 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.
Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science or related field.
  • Experience analyzing the following platforms: Single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN, and DNA methylation
  • A strong CV that includes publications involving cancer genomics, epigenomics, single-cell, spatial 'omics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
  • 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.
  • 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 collaborative nature in fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide research support and deliver high-quality results by formulating an efficient analytical approach with the available data.
  • Deliver data files, and document the analytical process. May participate in manuscript preparation at project's conclusion.
  • Assist with establishing and documenting protocols or best practices for common research tasks, and in the formulation of analytical plans that use the best approach to address challenging data analysis questions.
  • Assist in the evaluation and testing of new methods and technologies.
  • Contribute ideas to automate or improve existing analysis methods. Implement the improvement or work with others to do so.
  • Participate in the department's developmental projects and interdepartmental team projects.
  • 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 7+ 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 5+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
  • Significant experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

Bioinformatics Research Scientist
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 Bioinformatics Research Scientist / Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist - Northcott Lab in the Center of Excellence in Neuro-Oncology Sciences (CENOS).
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
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.

What St. Jude Children's Research Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom