BACKGROUND:
This position is in the Genomic Pathology Section of the Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute. The mission of the Laboratory of Pathology is to achieve the highest level of quality in diagnostics, education and research. LP takes on the responsibility for all anatomic pathology services for the NIH, as well as accepted cases from national and international healthcare organizations seeking our expertise through consultation. By continuing to expand the scope of our expertise and by incorporating the newest tools of diagnosis, training, and research, the LP goal is to be a globally recognized center of excellence for clinical diagnostics, disease research, and pathology education.

The incumbent is a highly proficient professional researcher which is capable of high levels of service and production of work, and will be responsible for examination of genomic signatures in human cancer specimens, including informatics analyses of high-throughput next generation sequencing data and single-cell sequencing, including single-cell methylation. The incumbent will be assigned responsibility to independently investigate problems and develop techniques and procedures that are recognized as being difficult to solve and require the sophistication, creativity and judgement. Projects will focus on the use of genomics and epigeneomics to better understand human cancers and cancer subclasses.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The incumbent will contribute to projects from inception through laboratory investigation to clinical translation. When problems are encountered using standard procedures, the incumbent will apply his/her broad knowledge of clinical, translational and research pathology and apply, adapt or modify a wide range of methods and techniques to address these problems, often without having a clear precedent established for their solution.
• Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocol
• Examines genomic signatures in human cancer specimens, including informatics analyses of high-throughput next generation sequencing data and single-cell sequencing, including single-cell methylation
• Develops necessary new technologies and protocols; apply, adapt or modify a wide range of methods and techniques to address any problems that arise
• Processes, interprets and analyzes experimental data
• Trains and supervises technical staff
• Coordinates with other technical and professional staff
• Coordinates and manages journal clubs, laboratory meetings, and participation in departmental seminars
• Maintains laboratory equipment and leads the maintenance of laboratory acquisition, safety and management
• Maintains a safe work environment with appropriate training of other personnel
• Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise
• Completes other projects as needed

REQUIREMENTS:
Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently and supervise others
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools used for NGS data analysis and ability to independently perform advanced analyses of sequencing data
• Understanding of the biology of human cell-free nucleic acids, single-cell analysis methods, and cancer genomics
• Broad, expert-level knowledge of next-generation sequencing assays for DNA and RNA, including both general nucleic acid biochemistry as well as specific optimizations for different applications, sequencing platforms, and analytes
• Proven track record of establishing new methods for NGS-based measurements of biology (*-seq) that go beyond kitted assays
• Ability to perform basic bioinformatics analyses to enable experimental iteration independent of external support
• Prior demonstrable experience with demonstrable experience with data collection, organizing, analyzing and summarizing for detailed reports and research papers and data presentation
• Experience with quality control, quality assurance and documentation desirable
• Successful experience in mentoring and training technicians, post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students
• Skills in writing editing and reviewing technical and scientific communications and documents, and ability to communicate (oral and written) effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to be organized and keep detailed and accurate documentation
• Experience managing scientific teams and mentoring junior scientists
• A record of peer-reviewed publication

Qualifications:

• PhD in bioinformatics/computational biology, computer science, biostatistics, life sciences, or with related experiences
• 3+ years post-PhD experience in NGS-based assay development
• Familiarity with existing genomic databases such as, but not limited to, TCGA, ENCODE, CCLE, etc.
• Proficiency in programming using one or more of R/Perl/Python/Java/C++
• Minimum of 5 yrs. of Postdoctoral research in Molecular Biology or Genetics or a related field
• Training and experience in molecular biology techniques: DNA, RNA isolation and quantification, electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, PCR, real-time PCR, DNA cloning techniques
• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently and supervise others
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools used for NGS data analysis and ability to independently perform advanced analyses of sequencing data
• Familiarity with SAS, biostatistics, quantitative analysis, and background in the cancer genomics field
• Ability to perform basic bioinformatics analyses to enable experimental iteration independent of external support
• Broad, expert-level knowledge of next-generation sequencing assays for DNA and RNA, including both general nucleic acid biochemistry as well as specific optimizations for different applications, sequencing platforms, and analytes
• Proven track record of establishing new methods for NGS-based measurements of biology (*-seq) that go beyond kitted assays
• Experience managing scientific teams and mentoring junior scientists

Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with SAS, biostatistics, quantitative analysis, and background in the cancer genomics field

Physical Requirements:
Will work in a laboratory with potentially hazardous chemical or biological materials. Will require completion of safety training programs, and there will be strict adherence to use of personal protective equipment and safety protocols.

HOW TO APPLY:
Point Of Contact:
NCI Laboratory of Pathology
Kenneth Aldape, M.D.
Chief, Laboratory of Pathology
10 Center Drive, Rm 2S235
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1500
Office: 301-480-8853
kenneth.aldape[at]nih.gov