RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new scientific directions and lead cutting-edge research efforts in the areas of genome-resolved metagenomics, function-driven metagenomics, new computational approaches to analyze metagenomes and metatranscriptomes. A focus on uncultivated eukaryotes is a plus.
• Take a lead role and serve as a key contributor to apply knowledge and technical expertise in developing and managing complex microbiome projects, collaborating with internal and external scientific staff.
• Independently troubleshoot and problem-solve varied and complex microbiome science projects to produce high quality analysis results and insightful biological interpretation.
• Design, benchmark, and apply bioinformatics software to enable analysis and interpretation of genomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic data for JGI's user community in line with the Program's strategic objectives and goals.
• Support ongoing JGI User Science, CSP, and FICUS projects through requests for advanced analyses in line with the Program's strategic objectives and goals, as well as initiate new projects in collaboration with the User community.
• Work in a high-performance computing environment and interact with a team of computer scientists, software developers and postdoctoral researchers to develop new methods and tools for large-scale microbiome data analysis.
• Support research & development activities in collaboration with JGI's project management office, production teams, and GOLD and IMG teams to ensure data handling and bioinformatics workflows for metagenome and metatranscriptome data meet high quality standards and remain state-of-the-art.
• Present updates at group meetings and lead/contribute to the preparation of scientific publications describing new computational approaches and methods.

• Train and mentor other team members in performing microbiome analyses.
• Keep accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and actively participate in team meetings.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years postdoctoral work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated expertise in microbial ecology, metagenome and metatranscriptome data analysis, and comparative metagenomics
• Understanding of standard sequencing analysis methods (assembly, gene calling, functional annotation) and phylogenetic analysis methods (multiple sequence alignment, tree building)
• Proven capacity to do innovative and applied work in highly complex and broad-reaching scientific areas
• Extensive knowledge and experience with complex bioinformatics methods and tools, with significant research accomplishments, including a proven publication record
• Strong decision-making skills to independently make sound judgments and recommend creative solutions to complex problems, while addressing research needs in an effective and timely manner
• Strong analytical, organizational, and record-keeping skills with attention to detail; ability to collect, record, and analyze complex and varied experimental data accurately
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external staff, users and collaborators. Excellent public-speaking and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to work on multiple projects with varying priorities while meeting tight deadlines
• Flexible with the ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse and dynamic team
• Experience establishing effective collaborations and interacting with members of diverse scientific and informatics communities
• Experience and skill in preparing research publications
• Ability to troubleshoot complex systems and research problems
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills to make sound judgments and recommend creative solutions to complex problems
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as a team member in a diverse team environment
• Ability to organize and present reports to collaborators, JGI staff, management, and sponsors
• Strong writing skills and ability to creatively integrate and synthesize complex concepts/data

• Able to program in Python, Perl, Java, and read/decipher C/C++
• Experience in customer-service oriented work environments

TERMS

• This is a full time, 1-year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay
• This position will be filled at the Staff Scientist Career-Track or career level contingent upon level of experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

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