The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our computational biology group. As a Bioinformatics Scientist, you will be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of transcriptomic data (RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics), a major area of interest at the NYGC. The job requires innovative problem solving in all parts of the process from sequencing, estimating gene and transcript expression, applying statistical methods for dimensionality reduction, differential analyses and clustering, to biological interpretation and multimodal data integration. This position will report to the Director of Computational Biology.

Job duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Analyze sequencing data using established workflows either already in place at NYGC or state-of-the-art workflows developed by others.
• Develop and improve next generation sequencing data analysis algorithms and pipelines and/or statistical methods to analyze results of RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq experiments.
• Develop and apply innovative statistical methods and data integration approaches for transcriptomics when off-the-shelf methods are not adequate.
• Assist, collaborate, and consult with internal/external researchers on analysis of transcriptomic data.
• Interpret and present analysis results to coworkers and collaborators.
• Publish developed methods and scientific findings in scientific journals and give presentations at conferences.
• Collaborate with other members of the computational biology team as well as external collaborators and customers.
• Progressively become the subject expert matter on all genomics analyses involving RNA within the Computational Biology group; RNA-Seq, single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics or long-read sequencing of RNA molecules.
• Stay current on innovations in genomics technologies and analyses.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Help identify relevant funding opportunities interests and participate in grant writing.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, statistics or similar required, or master’s degree plus 5 year’s relevant work experience.
• Experience in mammalian RNASeq and single-cell RNASeq required, as demonstrated by journal publications.
• Proven track record of developing novel bioinformatics methods required.
• Proficiency using the standard suite of bioinformatics tools required, especially applied to transcriptomics.
• Programming skills required; expert in R and proficient in Python.
• Experience working in Linux and running tasks in a cluster environment (e.g., SGE) required.
• Experience or training in statistics or machine learning required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

COMPETENCIES

• TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.

• COLLABORATIVE & COMMUNICATIVE: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.

• ADAPTABLE & INNOVATIVE: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK GENOME CENTER

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the core mission at the NYGC. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

1. Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgment in handling information and records
2. Ability to work accurately with attention to detail
3. Ability to retain and follow circulation department policies and procedures
4. Proficient in the use of the Integrated Library System (ILS)
5. Ability to meet circulation department standards for shelving and sorting
6. Ability to pass alphanumeric sorting test
7. Ability to pass computer skills test