BACKGROUND

The Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics of the U.S Food and Drug Administration's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) is seeking a post-doctoral fellow interested in joining our Bioinformatics research and technology team with emphasis on managing and analyzing next-generation sequencing data. The position requires a diverse range of expertise in data mining, machine learning, statistics, and biology. The mission of NCTR is to conduct peer-review scientific research that supports and anticipates FDA's current and future regulatory needs. NCTR is an equal opportunity/affirmative employer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The candidate will (a) implement work-flows for next-generation sequencing data, (b) perform bioinformatics analysis in collaboration with our research group members and collaborators, and (c) develop new methods and approaches for management and analysis of next-generation sequencing data. The work-flows will include methods for pre-processing, alignment of raw reads, identification of sequence variants, quantification of gene expression, comparisons to and integration with public databases, statistical analysis, and data visualization. The candidate will be expected to author scientific publications based on results of data analysis and on methods that have been developed.

REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for a creative, self-motivated individual who has the ability and desire to pursue solutions to challenging and interdisciplinary problems in a fast-paced research environment. Only applicants who meet the following requirements will be considered for the position:
1) A Ph.D. degree in a relevant scientific discipline
2) U.S. citizenship or permanent resident or H-1 holder willing to convert to J-1 status or foreign applicant (through J-1 visa)
3) Proficiency with at least one programming language (C, C++, Python, Perl, Java, etc.) and experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environment
4) Experience with software packages of MatLab, SAS, R, or other statistical analysis programs
5) Excellent oral and written communication skills
6) Good judgment, clear sense of purpose, and accountability

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in: a) analysis of next-generation sequencing data; b) analysis of microarray gene expression data.

TERMS

Two years, with possible extension of one extra (3rd) year.

LOCALE

Jefferson, Arkansas, USA

COMPENSATION

$57,000 US Per Year

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should submit a letter of application explicitly addressing the qualifications for this position and date of availability; detailed curriculum vitae; and the names, email, and addresses of three professional references to: Dr. Huixiao Hong (Email: Huixiao.Hong[at]fda.hhs.gov)

DEADLINE

Until the position filled.

POLICY

NCTR is an equal opportunity/affirmative employer.