BACKGROUND:
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has an exciting opportunity for a Bioinformatician. Under the general direction of faculty, seeking a computational biologist to assist their research groups with various bioinformatic analyses. Research in both laboratories centers around RNA-based regulation of eukaryotic gene expression, with particular emphasis on pre-mRNA splicing and small RNAs. The position will entail the establishment and maintenance of applicable in-house bioinformatics resources and interaction with individual lab members on customized research projects, as well independent projects that are solely computational.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish general bioinformatics resources (e.g. through the use of Bioperl) for day-to-day use by members of the laboratory.
• Generate customized programming solutions to improve user interaction with available bioinformatics resources
• Assist in the implementation of programs for microarray analysis (e.g. Bioconductor), high-throughput sequencing data analysis, cis regulatory motif identification, and multi-genome protein motif searches.
• Local establishment and customization of model organism genomic databases (e.g. ENSEMBL) and tools for batch sequence analysis utilizing these resources.
• Interpret and present study results in support of laboratory members.
• Provide tabular and written summaries of approaches and analyses in a form suitable for inclusion in manuscripts or grant applications, as well as media for presentation at scientific meetings.
• Develop and implement custom bioinformatics programming solutions in collaboration with lab as necessary.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other research computing expertise at the Medical School as necessary.
• Participate in conference calls and data management meetings as needed. Perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in computer science or a related discipline.
• Previous work experience desired, but not required; candidates with advanced degrees will be considered.
• Strong background in statistical methodology, software languages and computer systems (Perl, C++, R, MySQL, etc.)
• Experience in writing basic search algorithms and the ability to generate new algorithms and programs for custom data manipulation and analysis
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a wide range of individuals
• Normal visual acuity, hearing and manual dexterity.

PREFERENCES:

• Excellent programming skills with UNIX, PERL/PYTHON experience.
• Strong statistics background desired but not required.
• Familiarity with high-throughput functional genomic technologies including specific prior work with DNA microarray and/or deep-sequencing data is a must.
• Experience with major public genomic databases, such as Genbank, UniGene, Ensembl, Entrez, UCSC.
• Data management of giga to terabyte databases using MySQL or Oracle and/or creation of dynamic websites using PHP a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with lab and staff informatics personnel in a collaborative, academic environment are a must.

LOCALE: Located in Central Massachusetts, Worcester

COMPENSATION:
Salary: Commensurate with experience; $45,000 to $55,000 starting salary

Benefits: We offer highly competitive salaries based on experience and education. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package including work/life balance programs consisting of meals-to-go, offsite UMass run day care centers, nursing mother rooms, lunchtime seminars, Flexible Work Options, and 3 dry cleaning drop off sites. Also, we offer state retirement, generous time off policies, 13 paid holidays, paid continuing education, health, dental and vision coverage.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMMS recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

ABOUT US:
At the University of Massachusetts Medical School, we take seriously our mission to serve the people of Massachusetts. We do this by achieving national distinction in health sciences education, research and public service. In the area of research, UMMS has achieved world-class status. Research is conducted in the laboratory, ambulatory clinic and at the bedside, contributing significantly to medical science and to the state's economy, as well as enhancing our ability to attract outstanding faculty members for all three schools. Extramural research funding totals over $174 million, placing UMMS in the top 40 among the nation's medical schools in funding. We are also proud to have been awarded the Nobel Prize in 2006 in Physiology or Medicine for Craig C. Mello, PhD, and his colleague Andrew Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference.

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online using this exact address: https://www.jobs-umassmed.org/umm/jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*C31FBDA84E8046FE