Bioinformatician

Interview Type: In Person Only

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Engagement Type: Contract

NOTE: Applications with resumes in PDF Format will be automatically rejected. Only Word format resumes will be considered.

Short Description:

Bioinformatician working in public health laboratory research based.

Complete Description:

Purpose of Position/Summary:

Incumbent is responsible for the study development maintenance and performance of cuttingedge next generation sequencing (NGS) based biological assays in the areas of bacteriology virology and parasitology. In addition to the wetlab testings this position also puts an emphasizes on the bioinformatics side of NGS utilizing advanced computational methods to analyze the results obtained from NGS assays. The incumbent should have experience with developing primer/probe sets data analysis and bioinformatic pipeline development.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Incumbent will lead bioinformatic analysis of microbial and viral NGS data to generate actionable laboratory and public health results. Representative duties include:

Research develop design validate and implement novel NGSbased laboratory assays using advanced computational resources reproducible programming techniques and QA methods

Perform and maintain bioinformatic analysis of NGS data using developed software and workflows.

Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned with current best practices in the field.

Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate data

Strictly follow the laboratorys procedures for specimen handling and processing test analyses reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.

Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens isolates and samples via a variety of manual and automated methods;

Utilize molecular techniques such as but not limited to PCR sequencing and NGS;

Evaluate interpret and validate laboratory results and reports findings.

Maintain quality control of the laboratory processes as well as the analysis process to ensure that data is defendable.

Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and order as needed to ensure testing needs are met.

Assist in preparations of epidemiological and/or statistical reports from data compiled on a daily weekly monthly or annual basis.

Maintain competency in all trained areas.

Perform all related work as required.

Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard):

The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing test performance and for reporting test results.

(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individuals education training or experience and technical abilities.

(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must

(1) Follow the laboratorys procedures for specimen handling and

processing test analyses reporting and maintaining records of patient

test results;

(2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are

tested in the same manner as patient specimens;

(3) Adhere to the laboratorys quality control policies document all quality

control activities instrument and procedural calibrations and

maintenance performed;

(4) Follow the laboratorys established policies and procedures whenever

test systems are not within the laboratorys established acceptable levels

of performance;

(5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test

performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the

problems or immediately notify the general supervisor technical

supervisor clinical consultant or director;

(6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from

the laboratorys established performance specifications; and

(7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section if qualified under

493.1489(b)(5) perform high complexity testing only under the onsite

direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.

(c) Exception. For individuals qualified under 493.1489(b)(5) who were performing

high complexity testing on or before January 19 1993 the requirements of

paragraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective provided that all high complexity

testing performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor is

reviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under 493.1461.

Job Requirements:

Extensive knowledge of the principles theories and practices of molecular biology NGS and related sub specialties;

Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines analysis tools and best practices in analysis of NGS data.

Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems;

Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level as well as in analysis

Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment complex scientific apparatus and automated techniques of analysis;

Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;

Aware of state and federal laws rules regulations and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA);

Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologist pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)

Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships;

Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs and recognize QA problems;

Ability to compile analyze evaluate and prepare laboratory reports.

Difficulty of Work:

Incumbent is engaged in scientific analyses that demand accuracy and demonstrated proficiency in applying laboratory analytical skills to select pertinent guidelines and formulated plans for problem solving. Projects involve many complex variables of great intricacy and the microbiologist is often called upon to analyze and identify unusual specimens/samples. Work requires use of analytical judgment and technical knowledge in order to draw accurate logical conclusions. Incumbent will also be required to develop and research new testing procedures as well as the data analysis and reporting of NGS data.

Responsibility:

Incumbent works independently as an expert in the assigned area. Technical and/or detailed instruction is provided only upon request when necessitated by a procedural change and/or special project. Incumbent maintains established safety practices when working with materials that have a chemical hazard or biohazard potential. Reports are reviewed for general technical accuracy; however tasks are performed independently. Errors in work could adversely affect the health safety and well being of the incumbent or coworkers.

Personal Work Relationships:

Incumbent works with supervisor and with other State Department of Health staff such as Laboratory Safety Officer and/or external entities (e.g. local health departments etc.) to devise and implement work procedures and information dissemination. Individual will have contact with employees and the public as a laboratory expert and in the explanation of laboratory procedures and recommendations when appropriate. Incumbent will be the subject matter expert on bioinformatics ascepts of NGS results generated in our laboratory or by external partners.

Physical Effort:

The required personal protective equipment can be cumbersome and awkward. Extra effort and concentration will be necessary to perform routine laboratory manipulations under these conditions.

Working Conditions:

The incumbent will be performing tests on potentially dangerous specimens. Consequently safety standards are of primary importance. This position will be required to use all appropriate personal protective equipment in the designated laboratory area. The laboratory space and equipment can experience a dramatic increase in temperature. The incumbent will be required to work in these conditions and maintain a clear thought process during the testing.