Computational Scientist I/II (Genomics)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Molecular Characterization Laboratory (MoCha) is part of Leidos Biomedical Research's Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The MoCha Laboratory is responsible for providing high-level research in support of the NCI-Cancer Diagnostics Program (CDP) within the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). MoCha's major activities include development and application of genomic assay platforms for use in DCTD-sponsored national clinical trials and preclinical studies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative computational scientist to support computational and biological related questions in assigned projects/programs:

• Develop, validate and maintain genomic analysis pipelines generated from the MoCha lab and/or collaborator(s)
• Interact with PIs to define strategies for genomic data analysis including hypothesis generation and testing of predictive biomarkers of drug response
• Provide biological interpretation of the genomic analysis to advance the understanding of cancer
• Supervise and collaborate with other bioinformatics team members to ensure the quality of work and the prioritization of projects to meet deadlines
• Be responsible for generating scientific opinions, identifying potential resources or constraints, and proposing strategies for exploiting available databases and program data generated at the molecular and cellular levels
• Interact extensively with intramural laboratories at the NIH and extramural scientists and present the findings to PIs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

This position may be filled at the Computational Scientist I or II level.

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in biomedical science/bioinformatics/math/statistics/computer-related discipline. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
  • Computational Scientist I – No work experience required with a Doctorate degree
  • Computational Scientist II - a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible scientific and/or complex system management/bioinformatics experience
• Extensive experience in analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) data (including quality metrics, mapping, variant calling, quantitation of gene expression and biological interpretation)
• Experience managing large datasets and computational tasks in a Linux-based high-performance computing environment and cloud environment
• Proficiency with Bash, Python, Perl, R, C/C++, and/or JAVA and bioinformatics tools and database management
• Experience with Snakemake, make, or other workflow management systems
• Strong computational/bioinformatics skills and demonstrated ability to work with scientists to deliver on objectives in defined timelines are required
• Independence, self-motivation, innovation and ability to excel in a goal-oriented, multifaceted and fast-moving team environment are required
• Experience and demonstrated success in a team-oriented environment and excellent communication skills (written and oral); ability to organize and execute multiple projects in parallel
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

This position is essential to the success of MoCha and on-site presence in Frederick, MD and occasionally in Shady Grove (Rockville, MD) is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Peer reviewed publications demonstrating knowledge of the biology of cancer
• Experience with Ion Torrent systems, including the Ion Reporter system
• Experience with variant review and QC control in a CLIA certified laboratory