HudsonAlpha - Computational Biologist I - Clevenger Lab

Position: Computational Biologist I - Clevenger Lab

Position Type: Full-Time

Pay: $70,000-$80,000

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Clevenger lab uses genomics to support molecular breeding to democratize genomics in public and private programs worldwide. Emphasis is on tool development for direct application in breeding, including, optimizing methods for genetic mapping with emphasis on functional variant discovery, innovating using pangenomes for more accurate identification of genes controlling traits of interest, developing novel pipelines for genotyping structured populations quickly and cost effectively, and optimizing and deploying genome-assisted breeding techniques. The lab supports the community engaged HudsonAlpha Wiregrass peanut breeding program which utilizes whole genome sequencing for selection and engages high school students in the wiregrass region of Alabama. Numerous projects support global projects aimed at providing actionable analysis of genomics data for breeding programs aligned with nonprofit and for profit organizations. The work is product driven, involves understanding whole agricultural systems and working across all disciplines of plant biology and agronomy, and is fast paced. We will publish high impact science, but the emphasis will be on direct real-world gains for global producers higher yields, disease resistance, stress tolerance, nutritive value.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Computational Biologist takes lab-generated data and creates computational models that allow further manipulation and experimentation. By applying computational methods, the Computational Biologist I enables rapid, incremental analysis required to process the large amount of data generated in a high throughput laboratory. Next generation sequencing technology is a particularly complex endeavor that requires computational analysis to provide quality, timely analysis with the volume of data generated.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

The Computational Biologist I will:

• Manage Khufu sequencing projects from receiving and processing raw sequencing data, processing it through the Khufu pipeline, curate results for delivery, and prepare reports
• Collaborate with the research team, including statisticians, IT developers, and other bioinformaticians, to plan and execute and automate computational applications
• Write reports and contribute to resulting research papers
• Delivers long term development projects under the direction of Research Faculty Walid Korani for the improvement of the Khufu environment and associated programs and pipelines

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor degree in computational biology, biostatistics, or related quantitative field; master's degree a plus
• Knowledge of current bioinformatics approaches and databases
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrating ability to understand objectives of research team and write explanations for research papers
• Proficient with MS Office

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Occasionally move about the office (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.).
• Constant use of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Communicate in person and over the telephone.

Environmental Factors

• Perform work in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature.
• Tolerate moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).

Mental Functions

• Continuous mental and visual attention.
• Ability to focus on tasks despite interruptions and open cubicle environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Learn and apply new skills and information.
• Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks.
• Read and interpret data, information, and documents.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.