Summary

The Genomic and RNA Profiling (GARP) Core is an Advanced Technology Core Facility for the College and a critical genomics shared resource of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer, Digestive Disease, CPRIT Epigenomics and GC-CPEH Centers. The GARP supports grant-funded research projects from around 100 PIs annually. The Staff Scientist should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and should have extensive experience in next-generation sequencing, molecular biology techniques and a strong background in epigenomics. The position will assist with conducting specialized projects, develop and implement new technologies and protocols, NGS data processing and analysis, and will provide guidance and technical support to all users of the Core. The Staff Scientist will report to Dr. Daniel Kraushaar and conduct cross-disciplinary experiments that require operation of high-end instrumentation at GARP and two other ATC core labs.

This is primarily a bench scientist position but a strong background in computer science and experience in bioinformatics are important. The ideal candidate will be competent in molecular bench work and have strong experience in the data analysis of NGS data using open source tools and R.

Job Duties

• Plans, directs and conducts research experiments.
• Performs single-cell, bulk and spatial genomics assays.
• Develops research techniques and performs applications required for specific research projects.
• Assists with R&D towards establishing new core service applications.
• Documents results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• Present results in lab meetings and publications.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Runs bioinformatics tools and various computational analyses for biological interpretation of results.
• Data management: will oversee the GARP computational infrastructure, QC pipeline and data storage.
• Conducts consultation meetings with Project Investigators to discuss project needs and develops workflow plan to meet project needs.
• Organizes meetings with core leadership to coordinate cross-disciplinary workflows and to present relevant results.
• Performs research and development experiments for potential new technologies to be established in the laboratory.
• Must keep up with current NGS and Epigenomics technologies.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• PhD in relevant discipline (Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics).
• Strong background and experience in NGS applications (single-cell Genomics, Spatial, Epigenomics) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize work and independently manage multiple, diverse, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to perform highly complex experiments and techniques with high levels of reliability.
• Strong experience with bioinformatics tools.