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BIOINFORMATICS ANALYST I-II

The Van Andel Research Institute has a position available for one Bioinformatics Analyst under the shared direction of Peter W. Laird, Ph.D and/or Hui Shen, Ph.D. Depending on the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, the position can be a sole appointment in either the Laird or Shen laboratory, or a joint appointment between the two labs.

THE LAIRD LABORATORY FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF EPIGENETICS IN CANCER, COMBINING MECHANISTIC STUDIES IN MODEL SYSTEMS, ANALYSIS OF HUMAN CANCER TISSUES, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, AND EPIGENOMIC DATA ANALYSIS.

THE SHEN LABORATORY FOCUSES ON THE EPIGENOME AND ITS INTERACTION WITH THE GENOME IN VARIOUS DISEASES, WITH A SPECIFIC EMPHASIS ON FEMALE CANCERS AND CROSS-CANCER COMPARISONS RELYING ON INNOVATIVE COMPUTATIONAL TOOL DEVELOPMENT AND EPIGENOMIC DATA ANALYSIS.

As a Bioinformatics Analyst on our team, your first and foremost responsibility will be to work closely with lab members on the analysis of next-generation sequencing data. Additional responsibilities might include:

• Maintain and support bioinformatics software.
• Assist research faculty in data mining of publicly available data sets.
• Analyze data through established workflows and pipelines.
• Engage in bioinformatics literature to ensure the availability of robust methods, resources, and data sources to support core users.
• Making figures for manuscripts
• Direct and guide DNA, RNA and protein sequence database searches and the computational analysis of resulting data.
• Maintain computational infrastructure and control the flow of samples and information for large-scale studies.
• Recognize and report problems with the data management process and fix problems whenever possible.

This position is available immediately for a motivated scientist who meets the qualifications and description outlined below.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, computational and systems biology, mathematical, physical, or computer science with a Master of Science (MS) preferred. 2+ years of experience in computer programming and computational biological applications.
• Experience in such functional areas as image analysis, NGS data analysis, and data integration. Understanding of cellular and molecular biology and/or genetics is a plus.
• 1-3 years of experience in a scripting language (Python, Perl, etc.). A working knowledge of R is expected. Working knowledge of public biological databases (NCBI, ENCODE, ENSEMBL, UCSC, etc.).
• Contributions to the broader bioinformatics community through software and methods development.
• Must provide the names of three individuals who can provide recommendations and present a scientific seminar describing his or her previous research.

DESCRIPTION OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• A “team” focused scientist
• A self-motivated and driven individual who is able to exhibit exceptional research productivity and take responsibility for independent management of the project
• A detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to effectively design experiments and solve complex research problems
• A strong ability to take initiative and work independently
• A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with lab members and has an interest in helping junior lab members
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

HOW TO APPLY

If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we would welcome speaking with you and encourage you to APPLY TODAY! 

• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to Laird Lab Research.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
• A list of 3 individuals who have agreed to act as references along with their contact details.

Please contact Eric Miller (eric.miller@vai.org) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.

VAI IS ACTIVELY STRIVING TO DIVERSIFY ITS WORKFORCE AND STRONGLY ENCOURAGES QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS TO APPLY. VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE IS AN EEO AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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ABOUT GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Van Andel Research Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI which is the second largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small town warmth, known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you would expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walk-able neighborhoods. 

With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.

Required Skills Required Experience

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Assists patients in their homes, community, or clinic setting. Communicates to patients/patients the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing
• Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals
• Documents patient encounters and contacts made on behalf of patients in EMR; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic patient files, which include patient notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the patient
• Educates patient on the proper use of the Emergency Department and provides information for alternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients/patients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing. Connects with Hotspotting Teams to connect patients with enabling services
• Provides support and advocacy during initial medical visit or when necessary to assure patients' medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follows up with both patients and providers regarding health/social services plans
• Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community resources and services. Facilitates patient access to community resources, including locating housing, food, clothing, prenatal classes, parenting, and relevant mental health services. Assists patients in utilizing community services, including scheduling appointments with social services agencies and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible
• Facilitates communication and coordinate services between providers and the patients/patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of patients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives
• Works collaboratively and effectively within a team. Establishes positive, supportive relationships with participants and provides feedback to other members of the team. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with the patients, providers, care managers, medical residents, and office staff. Works to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between patients and institutions
• Demonstrates positive working relations with patients, visitors, and staff to effectively communicate The Wright Center's mission
• Attends weekly huddles and morning/afternoon mini huddles
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned