Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
This Bioinformatics Research Assistant is a dry-lab position and will play a key role in a collaborative team dedicated to uncovering the genomic basis of rare diseases as part of the Washington University Undiagnosed Diseases Network and other WashU local rare disease projects.
This role focuses on working with large genomic datasets to analyze data from whole genome and exome sequencing, short- and long-read RNA sequencing, long-read genome sequencing, and epigenomics data. This role will support the execution of bioinformatics workflows and pipelines to facilitate variant discovery, manage storage and transfer of large datasets, perform variant analysis, and assist the team in evaluation of new computational methods and tools.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Run computational bioinformatics pipelines on a local high-performance computing cluster to analyze genomic datasets.
- Conduct variant analysis and curation, helping to identify genomic variants underlying rare disease.
- Maintain and manage large datasets, including data storage and data transfer of genomic data.
- Contribute to developing and refining computational workflows to improve the efficiency and accuracy of genomic data processing and analysis.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to communicate findings and interpret results within the context of rare disease research.
- Assist in preparing project reports, presentations, and manuscripts as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Normal office environment.
Physical Effort
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or computer science.
- The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
- Proficient in computational tools and programming languages such as Python, R, or Bash, as well as experience using Linux-based high-performance computing environments.
- Practical experience with genomic data analysis, including whole genome and exome sequencing, RNAseq, etc.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, with the ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, Working Independently
Grade
R07-H
Salary Range
$17.10 - $29.09 / HourlyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.
