BACKGROUND

The Sladek and Jiang Labs at the University of California at Riverside are seeking a bioinformatics researcher to apply genomic tools to investigate the regulation of gene expression by nuclear receptors and applications to human genetic variation. This is an exciting research opportunity to apply computational approaches to biological data generated by cutting edge technologies, such as Protein Binding Microarrays (PBM), ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and GWAS, and link that information to data on human populations.

The candidate will work closely with a molecular biologist who will be generating the biological data, as well as with collaborators in the nuclear receptor field. Direction will be provided by Prof.s Frances Sladek (Cell Biology), Tao Jiang (Computer Science) and Thomas Girke (Director of the UCR Bioinformatics Core). The position is funded by a 4-year NIH grant with the possibility of renewal if the project is a success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, PBM analysis, genome-wide analyses (including microarray analysis, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, motif searching and discovery), database development, web interface development, microarray analysis, biological network analysis, and data integration.

The project involves cutting edge research on mechanisms of regulation of gene expression, with an emphasis on transcription factor binding sites of clinical relevance. There are opportunities to develop new computational approaches for motif finding, gene network analysis and data integration as well as to gain experience in genomic approaches to transcription regulation and elucidate consequences of human genetic variations.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements for this position are a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, (Bio)Statistics or Bioengineering (with a strong understanding of biology), or Life Sciences with strong computational skills. The successful candidate will have expertise in data analysis as applied to genomics (e.g., next generation sequence and microarray data) and database development and mining that lead to discovery-oriented research publications. This includes proficiency in at least one general purpose scripting language (e.g. Perl, Python, Ruby) and one statistical programming environment, such as R or Matlab, working under UNIX-based operating systems. Also beneficial are experience with Java or C/C++, database programming (e.g. MySQL or PostgreSQL) and web service development.

Excellent oral and written communication skills are required as well as interpersonal and organizational skills. Creativity, versatility and an ability to multitask are preferred.

LOCALE

Riverside, CA. Riverside is located between Los Angeles and Palm Springs with proximity to beaches, ski resorts and the desert. It has sunny weather year round, affordable housing and excellent public schools.

COMPENSATION

Competitive salaries and benefits are available depending on experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV to Dr. Bin Fang at bfang.ucr[at]gmail.com. Please also do not hesitate to contact him with more specific questions about the research project and specific requirements/qualifications.

DEADLINE

Funding is available May 15, 2012. Position is open until filled.

POLICY

UCR is an equal opportunity employer.