BACKGROUND:
The Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology at Cornell University seeks a highly motivated individual to develop software tools, databases, and web resources to support the research group of Dr. Adam Siepel. The Siepel Lab does interdisciplinary research at the interface of computer science, statistics, and genomics, including both development of novel computational methods and analysis of the latest genome-wide data sets. Recent research has focused on the discovery of novel human genes, the identification of functionally important noncoding elements in mammalian genomes, and the detection of genomic sequences that are potentially responsible for key differences between humans and other primates. This work depends critically on the organization and management of very large data sets, on the development and maintenance of reliable software tools, and on the efficient implementation of algorithms for genome-wide analyses. The group is dynamic and interactive, and most projects require close teamwork among students, postdocs, and staff. The candidate will have opportunities to contribute to scientific publications, and to expand his or her knowledge of evolutionary genomics, computational statistics, machine learning, and other relevant scientific areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: (1) Developing, maintaining, and supporting a software package called PHAST (PHylogenetic Analysis with Space/Time models) for phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics; (2) Assisting in genome-wide comparative genomic analyses, by developing scripts and utilities, running analyses on large compute clusters, and integrating, organizing, and analyzing program output; (3) Maintaining and improving a local mirror of the UCSC Genome Browser; and (4) Developing and maintaining the general software and database infrastructure of the lab.

REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, and 2-3 years of experience in software development. Experience with C/C++. Basic knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming. Experience in a Unix/Linux environment, including proficiency in shell scripting, and scripting in a language such as Perl or Python. Experience with relational databases (mysql or similar). Basic knowledge of web programming (HTML). Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a diverse team. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment with changing priorities. Ability to work independently and solve problems as they arise. Interest in molecular biology, genetics, and evolution, and willingness to learn concepts and terminology from these fields as needed.

PREFERENCES:
Some experience in bioinformatics, statistics, or machine learning is desirable but not required.

TERMS:
This is a 2-year position with possible extension.

LOCALE

Ithaca, NY

COMPENSATION:
A competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills will be offerred, and a full benefits plan is available.

HOW TO APPLY:
For the complete job ad, with instructions for applying, see https://cornellu.taleo.net/servlets/CareerSection?art_ip_action=FlowDispatcher&ctx=1&flowTypeNo=13&pageSeq=2&art_servlet_language=en&reqNo=123569&csNo=10164

DEADLINE:
The position will be open until filled.