Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist-Orr Lab

TheOrr Lab is looking for a highly motivated and creative individual to join our group. As a Bioinformatics Research Scientist, your responsibilities will involve running routine genomics pipelines and developing new, faster and more efficient analysis pipelines under the direction ofDr. Brent Orr (Member and Division Director of Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology). We are seeking candidates with expertise in bioinformatics or computer science, and related programming fields. Knowledge and training in computational biology, genomics, or molecular biology is useful. In this position you will be work as part of an experienced bioinformatic and machine learning group on key projects focused on genomic characterization of brain and solid tumors.

The research in the Orr laboratory is primarily focused on using genomic data to improve the diagnosis and risk stratification of pediatric cancers. Specifically, we have used methylation profiling and genomic sequencing information to identify novel brain and solid tumors. Several of our discoveries have led to modifications to theWHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System(CNS) and Paediatric Tumours. The Orr Lab led the clinical implementation of DNA methylation profiling at St. Jude which is now being used to stratify patients on clinical trials. We have also served as a lead pathology laboratory on the COMET (Solid TumorComprehensive METhylation Database) Blue Skyinitiative at St. Jude focused on the development of a pediatric solid tumor database of DNA methylation data. The goal is to understand the molecular substructure of non-brain solid tumors and then use that information to improve our clinical classification models.

Applicants should have substantial training in computer science and programming languages. Experience in data visualization and previous experience with genomic analysis would be highly desired. Some understanding of molecular biology, machine learning, or related fields would be useful.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Orr group to learn and provide routine pipeline assistance for genomic studies.
• Assist with preparation of project reports, presentations, and manuscript of analysis results, including detailed description of approaches.
• Participate in the development of operations and procedures for the collection, editing, verification and management of data.

• Work collaboratively with guidance from scientists within the Orr group.

• 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.

Compensation

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

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