RESPONSIBILITIES:
Medical Science & Computing, Inc. (MSC) is searching for a Computational Biologist to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This is a full-time opportunity with MSC, Inc., and it is on-site at NIH in Bethesda/Rockville, Maryland.

We are currently searching for a Computational Scientist with an emphasis in analyzing ultra high throughput sequencing data to support genomics research at the Lab of Immunology. This individual must be highly skilled and innovative, and will actively participate in team-based research aimed at systematically characterizing the genetic networks that regulate the development and function of the mammalian immune system.

Technical Requirements:

• Operate genome assembly tools, annotation algorithms, genome alignment algorithms (ELAND, BOWTIE, MAQ) on genomic data sets generated by ultra-high throughput sequencing technology (Illumina Solexa Genome Analyzer, Applied Biosystem SOLID, or Roche 454) for de novo genome assembly, re-sequencing, ribosome profiling, RNA immunoprecipitation, methylation, V(D)J rearrangement, single nucleotide polymorphism, copy number variation, alternative splicing, non-coding RNA, gene expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses.
• Program, operate, and transfer data in UNIX, Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Macintosh OS X systems.
• Write computer code using the scripting languages C/C++, Perl or Python, MATLAB, as well as a statistical language such as R, and work with relational databases and SQL.
• Able to operate and customize UCSC genome browser mirror hosted on NIAID server for visualizing data sets and genome annotations
• Have working knowledge of the Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx, HiSeq 2000, Cluster Station and cBot (http://www.illumina.com/systems.ilmn)
• Have working knowledge of methods associated with Illumina sequencing required for analyses of resulting data
• Willing to learn principles of molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, immunology
• Develop an integrated computing environment supporting Apple, Microsoft, and UNIX/Linux operating systems using PHP, MySQL, HTML, and XML.
• Perform work on collaborative sequencing projects; other computational needs include but are not limited to Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression, principal component and routine microarray analyses.
• Collaborate with scientists, while seeking to understand their current and potential bioinformatics needs; identify opportunities to apply existing capabilities and optimize operations.
• Assist in the writing, figure generation, publication of manuscripts, and archiving datasets in public/private repositories.
• Reanalyze and integrate data available from collaborators or public repositories (e.g. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GPL9185)
• Take initiative to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Interface and communicate effectively with IT personnel to troubleshoot problems, improve standard operations, develop and expand computing resources.
• Operate and communicate effectively in a group, team-oriented working environment. Work with and support others in a collegial, open, respectful, and interactive working manner. Provide leadership and act as a role model and mentor where appropriate or when needed.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and maintain excellent laboratory notebooks with sufficient details for reproducing results
• Maintain accurate sample tracking and data management; familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) would be an asset
• Perform problem solving, call technical support to fix problems, initiate service calls or repairs, and interact with field service engineers and field application specialists for repair and optimization of computational technologies
• Stay current with regards to latest protocols, applications, scientific methodology, sample handling and processing relevant to next generation DNA sequencing technologies

REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, bioinformatics or software engineering
• Minimum 2 years bioinformatics-related experience
• Demonstrated analytical and programming skills being essential
• The successful candidate should have the ability to work independently, multi-task, be goal-oriented,

and communicate effectively

• Experience with dynamic web application development using HTML, XML, PHP, and MySQL in a Linux/UNIX environment
• Experience in programming using Perl, Python and R
• Able to master new software rapidly and to instruct others in their use
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of computers with Mac OS X, Linux, Unix, and Microsoft Windows operating systems
• Competency with statistics and quantitative analyses
• Attention to detail, strong organizational and troubleshooting abilities, strong written and oral communication skills
• Must have a high degree of understanding of the theories, principles, practices and methods in the application of ultra-high throughput DNA sequencing as well as related areas such as Affymetrix/Agilent microarray technologies and extensive familiarity with relevant scientific literature
• Skill to determine the specific experimental data needed and the best approaches and methods to obtain and analyze these data
• Skill to modify existing analysis software and to develop new approaches to solve problems; to accommodate unusual or unprecedented analytical requirements during the conduct of research projects
• Ability to formulate sound conclusions, prepare reports summarizing research results, analytical methods performed, interpretation of results, and identify critical scientific questions that require further study; must be able to differentiate when analysis succeeded or failed
• Practical knowledge of and skill in computerized data analysis, database management, and computer programming in order to conduct an evaluation of experimental data
• Take initiative to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations to develop best practices and standard operating procedures for analyzing data in a timely and sound manner
• Must display flexibility and personal initiative to explore new strategies to solve problems and accomplish project goals
• Work with and interact with post-baccalaureate IRTAs, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, principal investigators, lab chiefs, and technicians

HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested, please submit a summary explaining your next generation sequence analysis experience. Please be thorough in your summary. In addition, send a copy of your resume in Word, provide your salary requirement, and availability to start.

TO: careers[at]mscweb.com

• *Must currently reside in the U.S. to apply**

POLICY:
EOE M/F/D/V