BACKGROUND

The successful candidate will work as a member of the Bioinformatics Support team to enable Pioneer Research staff to effectively utilize bioinformatics tools and datasets, particularly in the area of gene expression. This person will work with research scientists to understand their bioinformatics needs, assist with choosing appropriate analysis tools, train researchers to use specialized software and identify unmet needs. This person will also collaborate with other members of the bioinformatics group to carry out bioinformatics data analyses, represent research users on project teams that are designing and developing new tools and work to develop new approaches for the integration and analysis of biological data. Key tasks to meet the bioinformatics needs of researchers, include training, documentation and support of bioinformatics applications and managing research client relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Pioneer Hi-Bred, an international crop biotechnology company, is seeking a senior application scientist to provide high-level scientific consultation, data analysis capabilities, and bioinformatics application support to its internal research organization. Duties will involve working collaboratively with research scientists to understand their data analysis questions and carrying out sophisticated analyses to solve those problems, particularly in the area of gene expression technology. The individual in this position will be expected to maintain a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art approaches for the analysis of RNA expression datasets. Additionally, this position will be responsible for providing training, documentation, and support for key bioinformatics applications and will participate in multi-disciplinary project teams responsible for specification, design, development, and deployment of Bioinformatics applications and client support processes.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS PREFERENCES

M.S. or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 3+ years of post-degree experience is required.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCED PREFERENCES

Research experience in crop or plant biotechnology, especially in an industrial setting, is highly desirable. Experience working with high-throughput data sets generated by dual-channel gene expression array platforms such as Agilent, and using data management and analysis tools such as GeneSpring or Rosetta Resolver will be highly beneficial. Expert-level skills with standard bioinformatics methods and tools, as well as demonstrated problem-solving skills working in both Windows and UNIX environments, are essential. Proficiency with a variety of data management and analysis tools such as Perl, Excel, and Spotfire, skills in applied statistical analysis of molecular biological data, and an understanding of relational database technology are highly desirable. The successful candidate must have excellent written and verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

LOCALE

Johnston, Iowa

HOW TO APPLY

Req ID for this position is 4451BR. To apply, link to http://pioneer.com/employment

EOE

DEADLINE

5/6/07