Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

This Bioinformatics Research Assistant is a dry-lab position and will play a key role in a collaborative team dedicated to uncovering the genomic basis of rare diseases as part of the Washington University Undiagnosed Diseases Network and other WashU local rare disease projects. This role focuses on working with large genomic datasets to analyze data from whole genome and exome sequencing, short- and long-read RNA sequencing, long-read genome sequencing, and epigenomics data. This technician will support the execution of bioinformatics workflows and pipelines to facilitate variant discovery, perform variant analysis/prioritization based on biological relevance, manage storage and transfer of large datasets, and assist in evaluating new computational methods and tools.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Run computational bioinformatics pipelines on a local high-performance computing cluster to analyze genomic datasets.
• Conduct variant analysis and curation, helping to identify genomic variants underlying rare disease.
• Maintain and manage large datasets, including data storage and data transfer of genomic data.
• Contribute to developing and refining computational workflows to improve the efficiency and accuracy of genomic data processing and analysis.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to communicate findings and interpret results within the context of rare disease research.
• Assist in preparing project reports, presentations, and manuscripts as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals
• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at desk or table
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications /Professional Licenses : No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree - Bioinformatics, Bachelor's degree - Biology, Bachelor's degree - Computational Biology

Certifications /Professional Licenses : No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience: Relevant Experience (1 Year)

Skills: Analytical Thinking, Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Tools, Biostatistics, Complex Data Analysis, Computational Biology, Critical Reasoning, Data Management, Data Reporting, Datasets, Exome Sequencing, Genome Sequencing, Genomic Data Analysis, Genomics Research, Human Genetics, Linux Programming, Microarrays, Model Organism, Problem Solving, Python (Programming Language), RNA Sequencing, R Programming, Sequence Analysis, Team-Oriented, Working Independently

Grade

R07-H

Salary Range

$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.